your procedure guide | flexible sigmoidoscopy
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We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing the Atherton Endoscopy Center. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality of care in a friendly environment. We always welcome your feedback regarding your experience at our facility.
About the Procedure
Your doctor has recommended that you have a flexible sigmoidoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your colon for any abnormalities. The sigmoidoscope, which is a thin, flexible, fiber optic instrument, is passed through your rectum to examine the left side of your colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be done for a number of reasons, but the most common one is to prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps. It is also possible to evaluate for intestinal inflammation, ulceration, bleeding, diverticulosis and tumors in this manner. A sigmoidoscopy is a safe and highly effective procedure. The procedure is quick (usually between 10-30 minutes) and generally quite painless. Most patients do not require any sedation for this procedure, but in some instances your physician may choose to sedate you.
Five Days before the Procedure:
Please discontinue any of the following medications :
- Blood thinning medications - such as Coumadin, Plavix, Ticlid, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Excedrin IB), Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve). Please discuss stopping these medications with your doctor.
- Anti-arthritis medications (Voltaren, Lodine, Indocin, Orudis, Daypro, Feldene)
It is fine to take Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Please avoid foods with many small seeds, and foods that contain the artificial fat ‘Olestra' prior to your procedure. They can clog our scopes.
Two Days Prior To Your Procedure
- Purchase one 10oz. bottle of Citrate of Magnesia and two Fleet enemas at your drug store.
One of our nurses will be contacting you two days prior to your procedure to obtain your medical history and review your preparation instructions. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have at that time. Please make sure you tell the nurse if you have any of the following:
- Allergies to any medications or latex products
- Heart problems or related surgeries, Heart valve replacement
- Joint replacement
- A tendency to bleed during surgical or dental procedures
- Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
- Kidney problems
The nurse will ask you about the medications you take. Please let her/him know if you are taking, or have recently taken, any of the following medications:
- Blood thinning medications - as above
- Anti-arthritis medications - as above
- Anti-seizure medications
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Iron
- Diabetes medications such as Insulin or oral diabetes medications
- Herbal remedies
If you are taking medications for your heart, lungs or blood pressure the nurse will let you know if you should take them on the morning of your procedure with sips of water.
The Day Before Your Procedure
You may have a regular breakfast and lunch until 3:00pm; after 3:00pm you may only have clear liquids. It is very important that you drink frequently throughout the day to avoid dehydration and to enhance the laxative response.
Acceptable clear liquids include:
- Water
- Gatorade or other sports drink
- Apple juice, white grape or white cranberry juice
- Chicken, Beef or Vegetable broth
- Jello (No red or purple colors)
- Popsicles (No red or purple colors)
- Coffee or Tea (No milk; sugar is fine)
- Soda Pop
At approximately 3PM
Drink ½ bottle (5oz.) of the Citrate of Magnesia. If you feel nauseous it may help to suck on a lemon or lime wedge.
For dinner have only clear liquids. It is important to drink a lot of clear liquids all day long, especially after you finish the Citrate of Magnesia and before bedtime.
If you are not able to tolerate the prep (if you vomit) or if you feel like the preparation has not adequately cleaned out your intestine, please call your doctor (even after hours). It is very important that your colon is sufficiently clean so that we can get a good look at the lining and make sure there are no polyps or abnormalities.
Individual responses to laxatives can vary. The prep will cause multiple bowel movements. It often works within 30 minutes, but may take up to several hours.
Many patients find it helpful to have some baby wipes and hemorrhoid cream on hand to sooth their sore bottoms!
The Day of Your Procedure
For an AM procedure time: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. One hour prior to your procedure self administer one Fleets Enema. Administer the second Fleets Enema 15 minutes after the
first.
For a PM (afternoon) procedure time: You may continue to have clear liquids until 8am. One hour prior to your procedure self administer one Fleets Enema. Administer the second Fleets Enema 15 minutes after the
first.
