Which procedure examines the lower portion of the small intestine, including the sigmoid colon?

• A. Sigmoidoscopy
• B. Endoscopy
• C. Endoscope
• D. Upper endoscopy

Answer: (A)

This procedure targets the distal portion of the large intestine, specifically the rectum and sigmoid colon, by inserting a flexible scope through the anus. It allows direct visualization of the mucosa in that region to look for polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or diverticular changes. It does not reach the small intestine and does not examine the entire colon—that broader task would be done with a colonoscopy that can extend farther up the colon.

The term endoscopy is a broad umbrella for using a scope to view internal passages, but it isn’t specific to a location. An upper endoscopy focuses on the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine, not the lower bowel. The instrument itself—the endoscope—is the tool, not the procedure.

So, for inspecting the lower portion of the colon, including the sigmoid colon, the appropriate procedure is sigmoidoscopy.