Following your procedure, your doctor will have valuable information about your rectum and the last portion of your colon.

It is possible that your doctor may find that your rectum and colon are basically normal and do not require any further treatment.

If a biopsy or cytology are taken, the results are usually available in 4-7 days. Be assured that your doctor's decision to take a biopsy or cytology does not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected. Biopsies of the digestive tract are routinely taken to investigate other problems such as inflammation and polyps.

However, if a problem was found that requires additional treatment, your doctor will discuss these findings with you along with treatment alternatives or choices. You and your doctor can decide on a treatment plan that will benefit you most at this stage in your life.

Statistics show that 60 out of 100 or just over half of all potential cancers are within reach of the sigmoidoscope. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a very reliable and accurate test to see and diagnose many problems. However, it is possible for abnormal growths to be missed during the procedure, despite its reliability and accuracy. This may happen simply because of the growth's size and location. So, it is important to always communicate with your doctor about any symptoms that you have after this procedure.

If you have any questions, you and your doctor can discuss the expected results in your particular situation. It is important that your expectations match your doctor's expectations.