Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a way to inspect the lower colon and rectum. A Northwest Gastroenterology provider may recommend flexible sigmoidoscopy for evaluation of rectal pain, lower intestinal bleeding, abnormalities in the lower colon or rectum seen on CT scan, a site where a polyp was previously removed, known inflammatory bowel disease, or other lower colorectal issues. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally not performed during an initial evaluation, as it cannot examine the entire colon like a colonoscopy.
What to Expect
Prior to the procedure, the patient is attached to monitors so the physician and nurse can observe heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is generally well tolerated without sedation, though the patient and physician may elect to provide sedation (with IV medications), if indicated. The steerable scope has a light source, suction channel, and biopsy channel, the last of which can also be used to infuse water to clean up residual stool and debris.
During the procedure, a biopsy forceps may be inserted to take tissue samples, a clip can be placed to stop bleeding, or an injection needle can tattoo a site for future identification. The entire process generally takes approximately 20 minutes. If you receive sedation, the sedative medications can affect memory for a short period, so it is not unusual to have no recollection of the procedure or talking with the physician afterwards.
If you receive sedation, you are not allowed to drive for the remainder of your procedure day, so you will need a licensed driver over age 18 to drive you home.
How to Prepare
If you are planning to have sedation for this procedure, you must have an escort over the age of 18 to drive you home or accompany you in an Uber, taxi or public transportation. Walking or riding a bike or motorcycle is not an acceptable means of transportation regardless of escort. Unescorted transportation is not permitted unless you take a medically approved transport service. Plan to take it easy on the day of procedure. Plan not to drive, work, operate any equipment, sign any important papers, drink alcohol, or take any sedatives on the day of the procedure. You can resume your normal activities the following day.
The day before your appointment, purchase 2 Fleet Enemas at the Pharmacy. Do not use a mineral oil enema. Eat a regular diet for breakfast and lunch, then clear liquids only.
Clear liquids include – Water, fat-free broth, Jello, coconut water, clear fruit juices, non-cola soft drinks, coffee or tea (no milk/creamer), popsicles, clear hard candies, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade/Powerade. Liquids that are red, purple or bright blue or have pulp are not allowed.
No food allowed on procedure day. At __________ (3 hours before check-in) STOP drinking ALL liquids- this includes water. Nothing further by mouth: no hard candy, no gum and no chewing tobacco
You will need to use one fleet enema every 30 minutes starting 60 minutes before checking in at the Endoscopy Center. Please consider travel time and adjust times if needed.
You may find it useful to visit our website, www.nwgastro.com, to view educational videos, helpful hints and frequently asked questions.
