Assocgi.com

Associates in Gastroenterology, P.C.
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS
Your SIGMOIDOSCOPY is scheduled at: ___________ on ________________ (mo/d/yr).
Please arrive at the Endoscopy Center at __________. The Endoscopy Center is located at:
 POTOMAC CENTER, 2296 Opitz Blvd, 1st Floor, Suite 130, Woodbridge
 PRINCE WILLIAM AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER, 8644 Sudley Rd., Suite 201,
Manassas
 STAFFORD HOSPITAL, 101 Hospital Center Blvd., Outpatient Registration, 1st Floor, Stafford

FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY INFORMATION
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an outpatient procedure that uses a flexible “scope” (a tube about the width
of a finger, with a camera lens and light on the tip) to examine the rectum and lower colon. The
procedure usually takes 5-15 minutes and is well tolerated.
You will be lying on your left side or back during the procedure. You shouldn’t feel any pain, but
mild cramping or bloating can occur. As the scope is withdrawn, the inside lining of the colon is
carefully inspected. Depending on your symptoms and what is seen during the colonoscopy, biopsies
may be taken. If polyps (growths on the lining of the colon) are found, they are generally removed at
that time. Polyps are usually benign but can potentially turn into cancer.

After the procedure, you may feel abdominal pressure or bloating because of air that was introduced
during the procedure. This will disappear relatively quickly with the passage of gas. You should be
able to eat a regular diet.
FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY PREPARATION
 STOP the following medications 7 days before the procedure: Iron, Aspirin (including Excedrin,
Anacin, Bufferin, Alka-Seltzer), and Plavix
 STOP the following medications 2 days before the procedure: Anti-inflammatory pain
medications (such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Indocin, Feldene, Daypro, Voltran, Motrin,
Nuprin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, Vioxx). Tylenol is okay.

 DO NOT STOP other prescription medicines, especially heart, breathing, or blood pressure
medicines. However, if you take Coumadin (warfarin) or Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate
mesylate), stop 5 days before the procedure.
 Stop eating and drinking 4 hours before the procedure.  Two hours before arrival, give yourself a Fleets enema. Retain the enema for at least 5-10
minutes. One hour before arrival, give yourself a second Fleets enema, and retain it for at
least 5-10 minutes.

 Arrive at the Endoscopy Center on time. Plan on being at the Endoscopy Center for 30-90
COMPLICATIONS ARE UNUSUAL, BUT CAN OCCUR:

 Minor or major bleeding, possibly requiring hospitalization, blood transfusions, repeat
 Abnormally low blood pressure or heart rate related to abdominal pain.
 Perforation of internal organs, requiring hospitalization and emergency surgery.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS,
 Please call the office (during working hours) at 703-580-0181. If it is after normal office
hours, and you have an urgent question that can’t wait until the following business day, you may call the office and be connected to the physician on call.  You can also get information online at our website
IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR PROCEDURE,
 You must call the office. If you cancel within 3 business days of your procedure, you will
be charged one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

Source: http://www.assocgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Procedure-Prep-Instr.-Flex-Sig-English.pdf