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When Your Child Needs a Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test that lets a health care provider look inside the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy is a shorter form of this test. It looks at only the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) and the rectum. The provider may take tissue samples (biopsy). They may also check for growths (polyps) or bleeding. The time needed for the test will depend on how clean the colon is, what the health problem is, and if treatment is needed. Colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes. Sigmoidoscopy takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
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| A colonoscope gives the doctor an inside view of the entire colon. |
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| A sigmoidoscope gives the doctor an inside view of the sigmoid colon. |
Before the test
Your child’s colon will need to be cleaned out before the test. Follow any instructions from the health care provider. You may need to:
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Have your child drink a liquid bowel prep before the test.
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Switch your child to a clear liquid diet 1 to 2 days before the test.
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Give your child a laxative, a suppository, or an enema the night before and on the day of the test, as instructed by your child's provider.
Tell the health care provider...
For your child’s safety, tell the health care provider if your child:
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Has an allergy to any medicine, sedative, or anesthesia.
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Has a heart or lung problem.
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Takes any medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.
During the test
A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is done by a health care provider in an office, testing center, or hospital.
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You can stay with your child in the testing room until your child falls asleep or the test starts.
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Your child lies on an exam table on their left side.
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Your child is given a pain reliever and medicine that makes your child sleepy (sedative). This is done through an I.V. line. Or your child is given medicine that makes your child sleep (anesthesia) by an I.V. or a face mask. A trained nurse or anesthesiologist helps with this process and monitors your child. Special equipment is used to check your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. Sigmoidoscopy often doesn’t need your child to be sedated.
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The provider uses a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope for the test. These are long, flexible tubes with a camera and a light at the end. They are also called scopes. The provider inserts the scope into your child’s rectum and moves it through the colon. During a sigmoidoscopy, the scope will only move through the lower part of the colon. It will sometimes travel a bit farther if the view is clear and the child is comfortable.
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Air is pushed through the scope to expand your child’s lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Water may also be used to clean the colon.
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Images of your child’s colon are viewed on a screen as the scope moves along.
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The provider may take tissue samples. They may remove any polyps that are found.
After the test
When the test is done, you can expect the following:
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If a sedative or anesthesia was given, your child is taken to a recovery room. It may take 1 to 2 hours for the medicine to wear off.
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For the rest of the day, your child should not do things that need coordination, such as riding a bike or playing sports.
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Your child may have gas cramps. Pushing the gas out while sitting on the toilet and walking around usually helps with gas cramps.
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Your child can go back to their normal routine and diet right away, unless told otherwise.
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The health care provider may discuss early results with you after the test. You’re given complete results when they are ready.
Helping your child get ready
You can help your child by preparing in advance. How you do this depends on your child’s needs. Try the following:
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Explain that the health care provider will be testing the colon and rectum. Use brief and simple terms to describe the test. Younger children have shorter attention spans, so do this shortly before the test. Older children can be given more time to understand the test in advance.
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As best you can, describe how the test will feel. An I.V. may be inserted into the arm to give medicines. This may cause a little sting. Your child won’t feel anything once the medicines take effect.
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If your child is not sedated, then mild cramping is common.
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Allow your child to ask questions.
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Use play when helpful. This can involve role-playing with a child’s favorite toy or object. It may help older children to see pictures of what happens during the test.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your child's health care provider if your child has:
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Belly (abdominal) pain, upset stomach (nausea), or vomiting.
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A large amount of blood in their poop right after the test or blood in their poop for a few days.
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A lasting fever over 100.4°F (38°C), or as advised by the provider.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chelsey Schilling BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lalitha Kadali
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.