Sigmoidoscopy
Video on colonscopy and sigmoidoscopy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA9QtgVQWOw
What is a Sigmoidoscopy?
A sigmoidoscopy is where a doctor looks at the lining of the lower part of your large bowel to see if there are any growths or disease. This is done by putting a bendable tube (sigmoidoscope) with a camera attached into your back passage. The tube is then slowly passed into the lower large bowel. Pictures of the inside of your bowel are then seen on a video screen.
Prior to your procedure
- Please confirm your booking five days prior to your procedure. Phone: 011 640 7355/011 647 3445 (Monday to Friday between 8.00am to 4.30 pm)
- Discuss with your doctor which medications you will need to stop prior to your procedure (e.g. Aspirin, iron, diabetic medication, anti-inflammatory medication).
It is important that you mention all medications you take in case special precautions are required.
- Arrange for someone to take you home from hospital. Please bring their contact details to hospital with you (we do not have waiting areas for friends and relatives in the unit). If you are catching a taxi please arrange someone to accompany you.
- It is important that you fast (have nothing to eat or drink) six hours prior to your arrival time.
On the day of your procedure please bring
- Medical aid Card
- completed registration form
- medications that you may need to take after your procedure (e.g. insulin or other diabetic medications, cardiac, anti-inflammatory).
Please do not bring any valuables or wear any jewellery when you come to hospital.
On Arrival present to main reception at linksfield clinic on the ground floor.
On your admission
- Your nurse will explain the procedure fully to you and will answer any of your questions and concerns.
- Your procedure will take about 20 to 30 minutes.
- You will be given an enema as preparation prior to your procedure, to cleanse the lower bowel.
What to expect during your sigmoidoscopy
To prevent discomfort during the sigmoidoscopy, you will receive intravenous sedation that will cause you to become slightly drowsy and you may have no memory of the procedure. You will still be able to respond to directions and you will be able to breathe normally.
After your procedure
You will be transferred from the procedure room, on a trolley, to a recovery room where your observations will be monitored. When the sedative effect has worn off and you are feeling more awake you will be given a light meal prior to going home.
It is not usual for your doctor to visit and discuss things with you after your procedure because you will still feel drowsy. Your results will be discussed with you at your follow-up appointment.
An appointment will be made prior to discharge and you will be given both a written and a verbal explanation of possible complications by the nursing staff.
Because a sedative is used for this procedure
- you MUST arrange for someone to take you home. They will need to collect you from the Linksfield clinic endoscopic unit or the ward.
- you are required, by law, not to drive a vehicle (including bikes, motor bikes), operate machinery or sign legal contracts for a minimum of 24 hours.
What to expect after your sigmoidoscopy
- You may resume your normal daily routine including working the day after your procedure, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may return to normal eating habits, unless you are instructed otherwise.
