Sigmoidoscopy

Why Have A Sigmoidoscopy?

Your health care provider needs to look at your rectum and lower part of your colon for any concerns.

 

What Is A Sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure where the doctor inserts a thin flexible tube (endoscope) into your rectum and through the sigmoid to examine the lining of your lower colon. The images picked up by the scope are put on a TV screen for the doctor to look for any problems. Sometimes colon tissue samples and/or polyps are removed to check for further concerns and to prevent colon cancer.

 

Is It Going To Hurt?

Most people have no discomfort. We offer two types of sedation: Conscious and Heavy Sedation. Both sedations work very quickly through an IV (intravenous) in your arm and both wear off very quickly.

Conscious/moderate sedation means that a medication is given through the catheter (tube) inserted into your vein. This medication may help you feel relaxed, sleepy and will lessen your discomfort. You may be able to respond to the staff and follow directions. You may not remember the procedure.

Heavy sedation means medication is given through a catheter (tube) inserted into your vein. An anesthesiologist will administer the medications. This medication will make you calm, ease your pain, and put you to sleep. You will not remember the procedure.

 

How Do I Feel After My Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

• Most people have no discomfort
• Many people do not remember the procedure
• Some may have a little fullness in their abdomen for a short while
• Generally, you can eat and drink after your procedure
• You will learn the findings of your colonoscopy before you leave
• Feel free to ask questions at any time

 

Planning For Your Procedure

• Make sure that you have a ride and a driver to stay during your visit. An adult will have to drive you home — you should not drive for at least 12 hours after you receive sedation.
• Make sure that you have all the bowel preparations ready. You will need to buy 2 (two) Fleet enemas over the counter.

 

Three Days Before Your Procedure

STOP all iron, NSAIDs- Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, etc), and blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Aggrenox, etc.). Tylenol is ok.

 

The Day Before Your Procedure

• You can have breakfast, lunch and a light dinner the day before your procedure.
• Take all your regular medications unless otherwise directed.

 

The Morning Of Your Procedure

• Do NOT eat or drink anything until after your procedure.
• 2 HOURS before leaving the house for your exam: give yourself one Fleet Enema (follow the directions on the box).
• Use the second enema 15 minutes later.
• You should stay near a bathroom for a little while.

 

The Day Of Your Procedure

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING UNTIL AFTER YOUR VISIT.

• Please take only blood pressure, breathing, seizure, &amp thyroid medications this morning, and only with small sips of water.
• Bring your Inhalers (puffers) with you to the procedure.

DIABETICS: DO NOT take your diabetic pills this morning, but please DO test your blood sugar.

Please arrive 5112 West Taft Rd., Suite E. Check with your doctor for the time you should arrive

• Parking for patients is located on the North Medical Center side of our building.
• Drivers need to stay in the waiting area until you are ready to go home.
• You will need to bring photo ID, insurance cards, and list of your medications.
• Please leave all valuables at home