Sigmoidoscopy

What is a sigmoidoscopy?

Your doctor has suggested you have a sigmoidoscopy as part of your evaluation at National Jewish Health. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the rectum and sigmoid colon using a small flexible tube. The sigmoid colon is the last 1-2 feet of the colon (large intestine) near the rectum. Your doctor may also do a biopsy and remove any polyps (small growths) found inside your rectum or sigmoid colon during the sigmoidoscopy. A biopsy is a small amount of tissue taken from the lining of the colon which can be studied closely to help determine your diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

Preparing for Your Sigmoidoscopy

• Depending on your physician’s plan, your procedure may be performed with or without sedation.
  • If sedation is planned, do not eat any food for 8 hours before your procedure. You may have clear liquids only until 4 hours before your procedure. Clear liquids include: water, black coffee (no cream or sugar), plain tea (no milk or sweeteners), clear juices without pulp (such as apple juice), and clear sports drinks. Stop drinking all fluids 4 hours before your procedure.
  • If no sedation is planned, you may be able to eat and drink normally; however, please follow any specific instructions provided by your care team.
• If you do not follow the fasting instructions provided for your specific plan of care, your procedure may be cancelled for your safety.
• Notify your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, Pradaxa, etc., as you may need to hold these medications before the procedure.
• Notify your doctor if you take any oral medications or insulin for diabetes.
• Notify your doctor if you take any diabetes or weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Trulicity, as you may need to hold these medications up to a week before the procedure.

Bowel Preparation & Planning Ahead

• Your colon will need to be cleaned thoroughly to complete the test. If this is not done, your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
• Purchase two 4 ½ oz. Fleet® enemas (without mineral oil) from a grocery store or pharmacy. You do not need a prescription.

On Procedure Day: Bowel Preparation

• One hour before leaving for your sigmoidoscopy, use the two enemas.
• Use one enema right after the other.
• Try to keep the liquid from both enemas in for at least five minutes, then go to the bathroom.

Depending on your physician’s plan, your procedure may be done with or without sedation.

If sedation is planned, a responsible adult must wait for you at National Jewish Health during your procedure and take you home afterward. They must be available during your recovery period to review discharge instructions. You will not be able to drive yourself or use a taxi/public transportation. If you do not have a driver, your procedure may be cancelled.

If no sedation is planned, you may be able to drive yourself home. Please confirm this in advance with your care team.

Check in at the Front Desk, and they will direct you from there. If you have questions or need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 303-398-1355, option #4.

Do not take any medications your doctor has asked you to hold.

Heart, blood pressure, or seizure medications may be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your procedure.

Do not wear jewelry.

• If you use oxygen at home (even only at night or with activity), please bring a portable oxygen unit with you. You may need supplemental oxygen after the procedure. In some cases, patients may need to go home with oxygen, which could result in an additional out-of-pocket cost.

If you receive sedation, you should not work, drive, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. We also recommend that someone stay with you overnight.

What is done during the procedure?

When you arrive in the procedural area, the healthcare team will explain what will be done before, during, and after your sigmoidoscopy. If you have any questions, please ask. A nurse will review your medical history with you and check your vital signs, which will be monitored throughout your stay.

Depending on your physician’s preference and your individual needs, you may or may not receive sedation. If sedation is planned, an IV will be started and medications will be given to help you relax and remain comfortable during the procedure. In some cases, the procedure may be performed without sedation.

You will meet with the physician performing your procedure prior to going into the procedure room. If sedation is planned, you may also meet with an anesthesia provider.

During the sigmoidoscopy, a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end (called a sigmoidoscope) will be gently inserted into the rectum and advanced into the lower part of the colon. This allows the physician to examine the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon. During the procedure, your doctor may take small tissue samples (biopsies) or perform other minor treatments if needed. These samples are sent for further testing to help guide your care.

You will be monitored closely throughout the procedure.

After the procedure is complete, you will go to a recovery area where a nurse will continue to monitor you. If you received sedation, you will stay until you are awake and ready for discharge. Your nurse will review your procedure report and discharge instructions with you and provide copies for your records.

How long will the Sigmoidoscopy take?

The average time at the facility from check-in to discharge is typically 2 to 3 hours. This timeframe includes pre-procedure preparation, procedure, and post-procedure recovery. Your visit may take longer depending on the complexity of your medical needs and the overall patient volume at the time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality care to every patient.

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