Your colon must be empty for us to perform the examination. Please read the following instructions at least 10 days before your procedure so you can be adequately prepared for this exam.

If you have a language barrier or a communication issue, call 919-684-6437.

What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?

This is a test that allows the doctor to check the lower portion of your bowel (colon). A short flexible tube (flex sig scope) will be inserted into your rectum and passed through about 12 inches of your colon. Additional procedures may be performed such as taking tissue samples (biopsies) and removing polyps.

What should my health care professional know before I have this test/procedure done?

• If you have an internal defibrillator device (AICD) please call 919-684-6437. You will need to know the name brand of your device prior to your procedure.
• If you have a latex allergy please call 919-684-6437.

Where is this done?
Duke Clinic 2H, GI Endoscopy Unit

Do I need to have someone drive me home afterward?
If you are able to drive yourself to the procedure, you should be able to drive yourself home.

Do I need to do anything to get ready for this test?
Ten days before the procedure:

• If you are taking blood-thinning medications (coumadin, Ticlid, Plavix, and Lovenox), please contact your prescribing physician for instructions. You may need to be off these drugs for 1 to 10 days before the procedure, depending on the medicine.

Seven days before the procedure:

• Stop taking aspirin or any aspirin products (alka-seltzer, bc powder) unless you are taking it for heart disease or strokes. Avoid drugs like ibuprofen, nuprin, advil, aleve, motrin, or naprosyn. For discomfort or headache you may take Tylenol. You may continue to take prescribed arthritis medications.
• Stop taking iron pills.

Day of the procedure:

• Diabetic patients: if you take an oral hypoglycemic “sugar pill”, do not take it the day of your procedure. If you are taking insulin, you should only take half (1/2) of your usual scheduled dose before your procedure.
• Continue to take you prescribed medications as usual. If you have any questions about your medications, call your prescribing physician.
• Approximately one hour before you must leave for your appointment, please use two Fleet enemas. These are available over the counter at most food, drug, or discount stores. Administer the first enema rectally, allow it to work, then repeat. Specific directions on how to use the enemas are enclosed in the package. Please call 919-684-6437 if you have any questions on how to administer your enemas.
• You may eat the day of your procedure but the meal just prior to your exam should be light.

What happens during the procedure?

• The procedure will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign the consent form giving them permission to do the test. Ask any questions you may have.
• During the test, you will lie on your left side.
• The physician may first perform a rectal exam. A flexible scope is inserted into your rectum. Your intestine will be partially filled with air to help the doctor look at the lining of the intestine. You may have some bloating or cramps similar to gas pain and you may feel like you need to move your bowels. This is a normal feeling when there is anything in the rectum.
• The test takes 10 to 20 minutes. If the doctor sees anything unusual, a biopsy (small piece of tissue) may be taken. Your doctor may also remove any polyps or growths that are present. You will not feel this biopsy or polyp removal.

What happens after the procedure?

• You may feel bloating or cramping. Moving around will help you pass remaining air.
• After you leave, you may resume your regular diet and activities.

Call your doctor if any of these things happen to you.

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Rectal bleeding (it is normal to see a little blood on the toilet tissue when you wipe)

How will I get the results of this test?
Please contact the doctor who ordered your procedure to obtain your test results.

This article is intended as a resource for patients receiving their cancer care at Duke University Hospital or Duke Clinic. It is not intended to substitute for medical advice from your health care team. If your doctor’s instructions differ from the information in this article, please talk with your doctor before making any changes.