Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Instructions

 

Please follow these instructions to clean out your bowel.

 

3 days before your procedure:  avoid high fiber foods, nuts, seeds and corn as these foods can impair the ability for the doctor to clearly see the lining of your colon.   

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The Day Before Your Procedure:

 

• Have a light breakfast

• Starting at 12:00pm and until the procedure is finished, you must remain on a Clear Fluid Diet. NO Solid Foods. You may only have clear fluids, such as apple juice (or other clear juices), pop, tea or coffee (no cream or milk), jello (not red or purple), popsicles, and clear broth/consommé

• Take 2 Dulcolax Tablets (available at your local drug store without prescription) at 6:00PM

 

The Day of Your Procedure:

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• Two hours before you leave home, use 2 Fleet enemas (available at your local drug store without prescription). Insert the first fleet enema into the rectum and squeeze all of it. Hold it in for 5 to 10 minutes and use the toilet to empty fully

• After you have emptied out the first enema, use the second enema in the same way. The knee-chest position and on your left side are both good

 

Note:

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• DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING 3 hours before your procedure.

• If you are getting sedation (as per your doctor or personal preference), you must bring someone with you to drive you home, as you will Not be allowed to drive for 24 hours after the procedure

• If you are on blood thinners (such as Coumadin or Plavix), you may continue taking them as usual. However, if a polyp is found and needs to be removed, you may need to return after discontinuing your blood thinners for several days before your procedure; you must check with your family physician or cardiologist first, and make sure it is safe to discontinue these medications

• If you are taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 medication(s) for diabetes, you need to stop the medication(s) at least 7 days before your scope appointment.