Preparation for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Step One

On the day before your sigmoidoscopy you should not have any solid food, just clear liquids (and LOTS of liquids). Some examples are apple juice, beff bouillion broth, Jell-O and tea. You may also wish to drink a liquid supplement such as ENSURE or SUSTACAL, a milk-shake product which can be purchased at most supermarkets. You may have a clear liquid breakfast on the morning of your sigmoidoscopy appointment, and you may return to your normal diet following the examination.

Step Two

In the late afternoon of the day before your sigmoidoscopy, drink half of a 10 oz. bottle of CITRATE OF MAGNESIA. If you do not have a good bowel movement within two hours, drink the remainder of the CITRATE OF MAGNESIA.

Step Three

Administer the "Fleets" enema rectally on the morning of the exam, following the directions on the package. Administer the enema slowly and be sure to hold it as long as you can while resting on your left side (approximately 5-10 minutes, if possible) before expelling it. Fill the enema bottle with tap water and repeat the enema. When you expel the second enema, if it is NOT clear, repeat the tap water enemas until the fluid you expel is CLEAR. Do at least three water enemas.

Step Four

Take Bentyl (blue tablet) one hour before the examination.

Changes to the Normal Preparation

If you have one of the following medical problems, please talk to your physician for special sigmoidoscopy preparation: Colitis, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Heart Problems (specifically valve problems).

Your Usual Medication

You can continue taking your usual medication despite the preparation. Exceptions to this are iron pills (or vitamins containing iron) which should be stopped five days prior to the exam. If you are taking Aspirin or Coumadin on a regular basis, please notify your physician ahead of time.

Back to Procedures Page
Back to Parkview Medical Group Home Page