FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY PATIENT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a scope examination of the lower 1/3 of your colon and rectum.  This is about 2-3 feet long in most adults. 

  • A thin, flexible scope with a light and lens will be inserted through your rectum into your colon. 

  • The test usually takes 30 minutes.

 

  • Unless prescribed for other reasons, the test can be helpful in finding the source of abdominal pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.

  • If biopsies are obtained during the procedure, you will be notified of the results in 10 days.

  • We will sedate you for the test by giving you medicines through an IV that will help you to relax and sleep.  We will keep you after the exam for 30 –45 minutes.

  • The provider will speak to you before and after the procedure.

  • Unless you request otherwise, we will invite your driver to the recovery room to hear the provider’s post-exam report.

  • The rectum and lower 1/3 of the colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be both accurate and comprehensive. Please follow the preparation instructions carefully.

FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY PATIENT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

PATIENT NAME: ______________________    Dr. ____________________________       

You are scheduled for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy on: _________________    at   ____________

You must arrive by:  ___________________   and check in at ADMISSIONS/SURGERY CENTER.

 

Purchase: All these medicines are available over the counter:

  1. One, 10-ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate.

    • NOTE: If you have kidney failure, DO NOT TAKE Magnesium Citrate.  You will then need to buy 4 Dulcolax tablets

  1. Two Fleet Enemas

 

5 Days Prior:

  1. Check with your prescribing physician for instructions about stopping your blood thinner. Examples of blood thinners are Aleve, Aspirin, Coumadin, Eliquis, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Plavix, and Xarelto.

  2. Do not give yourself a Lovenox injection the morning of the test. Lovenox injections may be taken as usual through the day before your test.

  3. Discuss diabetic medications and insulin with the prescribing physician.

 

Day Prior:

  1. Beginning in the morning, start a clear liquid diet. Drink a generous amount of clear liquids throughout the day, no alcohol. No solid or creamed/pureed food. If you are on a fluid restriction, drink the recommended amount of clear liquids allowed by your physician.

  2. At 5:00 P.M.- consume one, 10-ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate.  (If you have kidney failure, DO NOT TAKE Magnesium Citrate. Instead take 4 Dulcolax tablets).

 

Day of Test:

  1. Continue to drink clear liquids only.

  2. You must give yourself the (2) Fleet Enemas according to package instructions (1 ½ - 2) hours before getting in your car to come to the hospital.  Your rectum and lower (1/3) of your colon must be empty for this test. 

  3. You may drink clear liquids up until 4 hours before your scheduled procedure time. After this, you should have nothing by mouth.  This includes GUM or CANDY.

    1. Chewing tobacco must be stopped 6 hours before your scheduled procedure.

    2. If you have an early morning test, take ONLY your essential morning medications (heart, blood pressure, etc.) with a small sip of water.

  1. You will be sedated for the procedure. A responsible adult must drive you home (no Uber, taxis or buses are allowed). If you do not have a driver, we will be unable to do the test.

  2. You will be here for 3-4 hours from arrival time.

  3. You will not be able to return to work the same day if you have received sedation.

  4. Please bring a list of your current medications and the dosages with you.