Getting Ready for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test to look at the lower part of your large bowel. This test can be used to find the cause of rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
Important – Read 1 week in advance. Procedure may be cancelled if instructions are not followed |
Getting Ready
1. 7 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Effient® (prasugrel).
2. 5 days before, you should stop taking:
- Iron.
- Blood thinners, such as Coumadin® (warfarin) or Plavix® (clopidogrel).
3. 2 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Pradaxa® (dabigatran).
Blood thinning pills should never be stopped without discussing this with the doctor who prescribes it for you. The doctor will give you instructions on how to safely do this. Contact us if you have questions.
4. Our staff will need to review your health history, prior surgeries, allergies, and medicines taken. Please bring this information with you.
5. If you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, we will need specific information about it before your procedure day. If you haven't already given us this information, please call us during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at (608) 890-5000. Ask to speak to the Procedure Coordinator.
6. You do not have to change your diet.
Day of the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- You may eat a light breakfast and light lunch.
- Follow the arrival and registration instructions in your cover letter. if you are delayed, call us at (608) 890-5000 to let us know you are going to be late. if you are over 30 minutes late, we may have to cancel and reschedule. We do our best to stay on time.
- Plan to be with us about 1 hour.
The Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- A nurse will review your health history.
- You will be given 2 small enemas.
- The test will take about 15 minutes.
After the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Your doctor will discuss results with you before you go home. You and the doctor who referred you will receive a copy of the report.
You can resume normal daily tasks.
You may have some gas pains from the air used to distend your colon. As you pass the air your gas pains should go away.
How to Contact Us
Digestive Health Center, 8am to 5pm weekdays, (608) 890-5000.
After clinic hours, please call (608) 890-5000. Give your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live outside of the Madison area, please call 1-855-342-9900.
UW Health Digestive Health Center
750 University Row
Madison, WI
(608) 890-5000
(855) 342-9900
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
GI Procedure Clinic
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI
(608) 263-8097
(800) 323-8942
Meriter Hospital Digestive Health Center
Lower Level
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI
(608) 417-6389
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6518.
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: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 04/10/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6258
Print Health Fact For You