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Home Care after Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Rectal Dilitation

What to Expect

 

It is common to have bloating and gas pains because air was put into your colon.  You will feel better when you expel the air.

 

If tissue samples were taken, a small amount of rectal bleeding may be present.

 

At Home

 

  • You must have an adult drive you home.  You should not drive today.
  • Do not drink alcohol.  Do not take tranquilizers or sleeping pills tonight.
  • Rest today. You may resume normal daily tasks tomorrow.
  • You may resume your routine medicines unless told otherwise. 
  • You may resume your normal diet.  Start out light to prevent nausea.
  • There may be some soreness and redness at the IV site for a day or two.  You can relieve this by placing a warm, moist washcloth over the area.  Please contact your primary doctor if this does not improve in a couple of days.
  • Do not make any important decisions today.

 

Call your doctor right away if you have

 

  • chills
  • fever over 101º F for two readings taken 4 hours apart
  • abdominal pain
  • large amount of rectal bleeding (greater than 1-2 tablespoons)
  • extreme abdominal bloating

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions or concerns within 24 hours of your sigmoidoscopy or dilitation,  please call the Procedure Center at the number below.  After 24 hours, please contact your referring doctor.

 

Doctor _____________________

 

Gastroenterology Procedures, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(608) 263-8094.

 

Surgery Clinic, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm. (608) 263-7502

 

After clinic hours, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at

1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the  doctor on call for __________________.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/08/2011

Copyright © 06/08/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6254

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