Sedated Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A sedated flexible sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination used to evaluate the colon. During a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, a think, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A small camera at the tip of the tube allows your doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon. An intravenous line - or "IV" - will be placed in your arm to deliver fluids and sedation medications during the procedure for your comfort.

We want your sedated flexible sigmoidoscopy exam to be as comfortable and successful as possible and your attention and adherence to these guidelines is vital to this success. Please read this entire information packet and follow all of the instructions without skipping or altering any of the steps.

How to prepare for your flexible sigmoidoscopy

Purchase preparation materials at the Sharp Rees-Stealy Pharmacy prior to leaving the medical center.

You will need to purchase one bottle of Magnesuim Citrate and two Fleet Ready-To-Use Enemas to cleanse the colon in preparation for your sigmoidoscopy exam.

Purchase clear liquids - you cannot eat solid food after 2p.m. the day prior to your procedure.

Acceptable clear liquids include the following (avoid purple- or red-colored liquids):
- Strained fruit juices without pulp (such as apple, white grape and lemonade) - no purple or red varieties
- Water
- Clear broth or bouillon
- Coffee or tea (without milk, cream or non-dairy creamer)
- Gatorade/sports drinks - no purple or red varieties
- Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks - no purple or red varieties
- Plan Jell-O/gelatin dessert (no added fruit or toppings) - no purple or red varieties
- Popsicles - no purple or red varieties
Secure a responsible companion to accompany you to your sigmoidoscopy
- As mentioned above, to ensure your comfort, IV sedation will be given to you during your flexible sigmoidoscopy. You must secure a responsible companion, family member or friend, 18 years of age or older, to escort you to your procedure, remain on site during the procedure, and drive you home or to accompany you home via transit services.
- If you do not have an escort with you upon arrival for your flexible sigmoidoscopy, your procedure will be cancelled. It is very important that you understand that because of the medications given during the exam, you will not be able to drive until the day following your procedure.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Preparation Instructions

Excellent preparation is crucial to assure proper cleansing of your colon, allowing for an accurate and effective sigmoidoscopy. Please follow these instructions fully and do not hesitate to contact your doctor's office if you have any questions or concerns.

These preparations begin the day before your procedure. Remember, failure to follow these directions may result in the rescheduling of your procedure to a later date.

Please note that your body loses significant amounts of fluids during bowel preparation. To prevent dehydration, it is important to supplement that fluid loss with clear liquids (see the list of acceptable clear liquids above). Make a conscious effort to drink clear liquids as much as you can. However, please remember that you may not eat or drink anything for four hours before your procedure.

1 day prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy date

Eat breakfast, a generous lunch and anything else you want before 2p.m.

1 day prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy date, at 2 p.m.

Stop eating all solid food. Do not eat anything until after your procedure tomorrow. You may drink many clear liquids as you want until four hours prior to your exam (see the list of acceptable clear liquids provided earlier in these instructions).

1 day prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy date, between 6-7p.m.

Drink the entire bottle of Magnesium Citrate and continue to drink clear liquids.

4 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy

Do not take anything by mouth, including liquids - clear or other - for four hours prior to your procedure. Again, do not eat or drinking anything in the four hours before your scheduled procedure time.

2 hours prior to your flexible sigmoidoscopy

Use the two Fleet Ready-To-Use Enemas.
- Insert the first enema rectally, hold it for five minutes and expel.
- Insert the second enema rectally, hold it for five minutes and expel.

Directions to Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego

Directions to Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Center from I-163 traveling south

Exit Genesee Avenue, turn left/east
Turn left of Health Center Drive
Pass Vista Hill Avenue
The medical center is on the right, just before you get to the parking structure
Turn right at the entrance to Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Medical Center
Turn right at your first opportunity
Patient parking is located in the surface lot south of the SRS building

Directions to Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Center from I-163 traveling north

Exit Genesee Avenue, turn right/east
Turn left on Health Center Drive
Pass Vista Hill Avenue
The medical center is on the right, just before you get to the parking structure
Turn right at the entrance to Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Medical Center
Turn right at your first opportunity
Patient parking is located in the surface lot south of the SRS building

Directions to Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Center from I-805 traveling north

Exit Mesa College Drive/Kearny Villa Road, turn left/west
Turn left of Health Center Drive
Pass Frost Street
The medical center is on the left, just past the parking structure
Turn left at the entrance to Sharp Rees-Stealy San Diego Medical Center
Turn right at your first opportunity
Patient parking is located in the surface lot south of the SRS building

Note: If traveling south from I-805, there is no south-bound exit from the I-805 freeway. It is best to transfer to I-163, and then follow those directions above to the medical center.

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