How to Prepare a Patient for a Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is a medical examination of the colon, used to check for colon cancer and to view any polyps growing there. During the exam, your doctor will place a thin tube with a camera on the end up your rectum and into your colon. However, you must clean out your colon before you go for the exam. Any fecal matter left in the colon will obscure your doctor's view as he examines you during the sigmoidoscopy.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Laxative prescribed by doctor such as magnesium citrate
- Enema kit
Instructions
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1
Do not eat or drink anything the day before your exam except water or tea. Do not drink or eat anything at all after midnight the night before your exam.
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2
Take a laxative to help you pass all remaining fecal matter in your colon. Your doctor will recommend the best laxative for you, such as polyethylene glycol 3350 or magnesium citrate.
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Use an enema kit to clean out your colon if you are constipated or if the laxative isn't strong enough before you sleep. An enema kit forces water into your anus and flushes out any fecal matter.
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4
Administer another enema one hour before the examination.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to your doctor well before your exam if you are on medication. Some medications will interfere with the exam and you may have to stop taking them for a short period of time. You can resume your medication after your exam.
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of the laxative. Although uncomfortable, it may be necessary to completely empty the colon out. If your colon is not completely empty, your doctor will need to re-do the test on another date.
