Sigmoidoscopy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• You will need to clean out your bowel to get ready for this test. To do this, you will be given medicine and allowed to drink only liquids before the test.
• To help clear the bowel, you may be given a laxative to take the night before the test.
• You also may need to have an enema the night before and the day of your test.
• You can eat a small breakfast (mostly liquids) on the morning of the test.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Vital Signs: Before the test, a nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• During the Sigmoidoscopy...
  • You will be asked to lie on your side. You may need to raise one or both knees toward your chest. Your lower body will be covered with a sheet.
  • A soft tube with a light and camera lenses on its tip will gently be put into your rectum. Pictures from the inside of the bowel will show up on a TV-like screen. To improve the view, air may be pumped into the bowel.
  • A sample of the tissue inside the bowel may be taken. The doctor may also take a stool sample.
  • Your test will take about 15 to 30 minutes.

After You Leave

• You may resume normal activities and begin drinking or eating as soon as you feel up to it.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have a generally ill feeling, headache, chills, and muscle aches.
• You have a high temperature.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have bright red bleeding from your rectum.
• You feel dizzy or short of breath, or you faint.
• You have nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in your stomach.