Learn about Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of the lower part of your large intestine (colon), specifically the rectum and sigmoid colon. Using a thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope, which has a light and a tiny camera at its tip, the doctor can visually inspect for abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, polyps, or signs of cancer. The procedure is commonly used to investigate symptoms like rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, or abdominal pain. It is less extensive than a full colonoscopy, requires less bowel preparation, and typically does not require sedation, making it a quicker and often more convenient option for screening and diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal issues.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with a thin, flexible scope.Primarily examines the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower third of the large intestine).Often requires no sedation or only light sedation, allowing for a quicker recovery.Less extensive bowel preparation is needed compared to a full colonoscopy.Effective for screening, diagnosing causes of rectal bleeding, and detecting polyps.Typically an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay required./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Unexplained rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea or constipation.
  • Abdominal pain or cramping localized to the lower left side.
  • Screening for colorectal cancer or polyps in individuals at average risk (often starting at age 45-50).
  • Investigation of abnormal findings from other tests, like a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
  • Monitoring known conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease affecting the lower colon.
  • Evaluation of suspected diverticular disease.

How to prepare

  • Bowel cleansing is required, typically involving one or more enemas a few hours before the procedure to clear the lower colon.
  • You may be asked to follow a clear liquid diet (broth, gelatin, clear juices) for 24 hours beforehand.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), which may need to be temporarily adjusted.
  • Discuss any allergies, especially to medications or latex.
  • Arrange for transportation home if sedation is planned, though it is often not required.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minor bleeding from the site of a biopsy or polyp removal.
  • Perforation (a tear in the colon wall) is a rare but serious complication.
  • Abdominal discomfort, cramping, or bloating during or after the procedure.
  • Reaction to sedation, if used (e.g., breathing difficulties, low blood pressure).
  • Infection is very uncommon.
  • Incomplete examination due to inadequate bowel preparation or anatomical issues.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You can usually resume normal activities and diet immediately after the procedure.
  • If sedation was used, you will be monitored until the effects wear off and must not drive for the rest of the day.
  • You may experience mild gas, bloating, or cramping, which should resolve quickly.
  • A small amount of blood in the first bowel movement can be normal, especially after a biopsy.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or heavy rectal bleeding.
  • Your gastroenterologist will discuss preliminary findings after the procedure, with biopsy results typically available in a few days.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0-1 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering flexible sigmoidoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for flexible sigmoidoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 44 – USD 165 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0-1 days Know More
Turkey USD 328 – USD 1,229 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0-1 days Know More

Top hospitals for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy.

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Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2143+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Baner

  • IconPune, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
  • Icon73 Doctors
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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534+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

  • IconBangalore, India
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537+ Rating

Manipal Hospitals Broadway

  • IconKolkata, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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89+ Rating

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors
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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon78 Doctors
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon89 Doctors
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15+ Rating

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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694+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kharadi

  • IconPune, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Aadya Jones, a 42-year-old high school...

Aadya Jones, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had always been health-conscious. For six months, she experienced persistent rectal bleeding and a change in her bowel habits, with pencil-thin stools. Her paternal grandfather had died from colon cancer, which heightened her anxiety. Her primary care physician, noting her symptoms and family history, referred her to a gastroenterologist. The doctor recommended a flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower part of her colon. Aadya was terrified of the procedure and the potential findings, fearing the worst for her family. The preparation was unpleasant, but the procedure itself, performed with sedation, was quick and painless. The doctor found and removed a benign, bleeding polyp. The recovery was straightforward, with some mild cramping and bloating that resolved within a day. Aadya felt an immense wave of relief and gratitude. The emotional weight of uncertainty was lifted, transforming her fear into proactive vigilance about her future health screenings.

Gastroenterologists for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform flexible sigmoidoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Suresh Shenoy
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kushan Sengupta
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharath Kumar C
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nitin Manglik
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

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Dr. Sudipta Ghosh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sreenivasa D
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nagendra Prasad
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balaji Laxminarayanshetty
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shankar Lal Jat
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Pratibha Setty
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Prasanta Debnath
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Sujit Chaudhuri
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rohan Badave
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Gajendra R
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Veerendra Sandur
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amarkishen Shetty
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Sandeep Gopal Krishna N R
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Dheeraj Karanth C
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayaraj S P
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipto Ghosh
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated