FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY EXAM Sigmoidoscopy is the visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope. During sigmoidoscopy, only the last 1 to 2 feet of the colon is examined. This part of the colon, just above the rectum, is called the sigmoid colon. The procedure is performed with you lying on your left side. Your physician will start with a rectal exam and then insert the scope. Sedation is usually not given for this exam. PREPARATION: Diet You may eat your regular diet the day before your exam. Nothing to eat after midnight the night before your procedure. On the morning of the procedure, you may have black coffee, tea and water. Do not eat or drink anything else. Medications If you take heart, blood pressure or respiratory medications, take them one hour before your appointment with a small amount of water. Please notify your doctor's office if you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Persantine (dipyridamole), Ticlid or aspirin regularly. It is important that these medications are discontinued at least one week prior to your procedure. Special instructions may be necessary. What to wear Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes. Do not wear heavy or bulky sweaters. Avoid girdles, pantyhose, or tight-fitting garments. You will be required to change into a pair of loose fitting shorts for the procedure. Prior to the procedure you will be asked to remove your eye glasses. Contact lenses will not need to be removed. Monitoring Before the procedure begins, your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood oxygen will be measured. During the procedure, monitoring of blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygen level is continued. If you have a history of heart disease, your EKG (heart rhythm) will be monitored also. Transportation You may drive yourself home from this procedure unless you receive sedation. Discuss this with your physician. You should plan on being at the West Shore Endoscopy Center approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Your Permission If you have any questions or concerns about this test, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about them. To signify that you completely understand what this test involves and that you are giving permission for the doctor to perform this test, you will be asked to sign a written consent form before the test begins. Your doctor will discuss the exam with you and answer any questions. DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS While you will soon be resuming your normal activities, there are several directions and precautions that you should be aware of to insure your safety. Since you have been fasting and your lower intestinal tract has been investigated, it is wise to slowly resume your eating. A light snack as your first food is advisable. During the procedure, the doctor uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to inflate the rectum and sigmoid colon help him visualize this organ. While he removes as much as possible, some CO2 may remain and be passed normally. You may feel slightly bloated and gaseous. This is normal and will go away within a few hours. Because your colon has been cleaned out for the procedure, do not expect to have a normal bowel movement for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Your first bowel movement may be diarrhea or loose stool. Rarely, complications can occur. While every caution is taken to prevent any problems, complications can occur and sometimes these may not become evident for several hours. If, in the next 24 hours you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately. If he is unavailable, go the Emergency Department. Passage of a large amount of blood or black, coffee ground material. (Spotty bleeding may be noted for 2-3 days after the procedure, especially if biopsies or polyps were taken. This is normal). Severe or new onset of abdominal pain. Severe dizziness or fainting. Sweating, severe nausea or high fever. These symptoms may indicate a complication of the procedure. Your doctor will wnat to discuss these symptoms with you.  PROCEDURE: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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