Navigate Up

Colonoscopy and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Your doctor has requested a colonoscopy (cohl-on-OSS-coh-pee) or a flexible sigmoidoscopy (sig-moyd-OSS-coh-pee) for you. A colonoscopy is an exam of the inside of your large intestine (colon). A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam of only the lower section of the large intestine (sigmoid colon). See diagram below.

 

Following are general guidelines for these tests. You will receive more specific instructions from your doctor, nurse, or testing center.

Preparing for a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Plan for Getting Home

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after your test.

 

Medications

Please check with your doctor or testing center for instructions if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • Heart medication
  • Aspirin
  • Coumadin®
  • Iron products
  • Iron medication
  • Antacids
  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil®, Motrin®, ibuprofen, or arthritis medication)
  • Diabetes medication (insulin, Glucophage®, or others)

Diet

Your doctor may tell you that you can have only clear liquids the day before your test. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test.

Special Preparation

  • For a colonoscopy, you will be given a laxative to drink. This cleans out your colon and gives the doctor a better view during your test.
  • For a sigmoidoscopy, you will receive instructions for giving yourself a bowel
    preparation to help clean out your lower colon.
  • Your doctor will decide which preparation is best for you.

The day of the test

Please Bring:

  • Your prescription
  • An insurance card and/or referral form
  • A list of your medications and allergies
  • A responsible adult to drive you home if you receive a sedative. Sedation is not usually necessary for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

 

What will happen before the tests?

  • You will sign a consent form for the test.
  • You will change into a hospital gown.
  • An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm.
  • You may be asked to remove glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and jewelry.

 

What will happen during the tests?

Colonoscopy

You will lie on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest so you are more comfortable. You will receive a medication through your IV to help you relax. The doctor will insert a long tube called a colonoscope (ko-LON-ohscope) into your rectum and move it through your colon. He or she will fill your colon with air. This will help the doctor get a better view. The air may give you some discomfort or pressure. This feeling is normal and should go away soon after the test. The test usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

 

Sigmoidoscopy

You will lie on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest so you are more comfortable. The doctor will insert a flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-dohscope) into your rectum and lower colon. You may feel some discomfort as the tube moves into your colon. This test usually takes about 15 minutes.

How will I feel after these tests?

After these tests, you may feel groggy from the medication. You may also feel bloating or cramping from the air that was inserted. This feeling will go away after you let the air back out. Sometimes a rectal tube is inserted to help let the air out.

 

What should I report to my doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

  • Persistent rectal bleeding
  • Persistent or severe pain
  • Temperature of 100°F or above
  • Black, tar-like stools

You will receive specific instructions from your nurse and/or doctor upon discharge.

Getting your test results

Your doctor will discuss the results of your test with you. Please talk with your doctor and/or testing center about how to get your test results.

 

If you have further questions, call:

__________________________________

 

What I need to do:

  • Schedule an appointment at ______________(place) on ____________________ (date).
  • Report to at ___________________(time).
  • Receive specific instructions: ______________________________________________
  • Bring your prescription, insurance information, and/or a referral slip.
  • Bring a list of your medications and allergies.
  • Arrange for transportation with a responsible adult driver.
    •                                                                                                                          Reviewed April 2011

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com