Flex Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a microscopic camera at the tip of a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to safely examine the lower “sigmoid” half of the colon (large bowel) and rectum. It is like a colonoscopy but more limited, including only the rectum and the lower 50 centimetres of colon (almost 2 feet). It allows for a quicker procedure focused on a particular area of the colon, and can be used to investigate rectal bleeding, abnormalities found in imaging, changes in bowel habits and chronic anemia due to blood loss.

Description

Before the sigmoidoscopy begins, you will receive an intravenous sedative to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. While you are lying in a relaxed position, the colonoscope will be inserted into your rectum and gently guided through your colon. Once it is fully inserted, the instrument will be slowly withdrawn. If any polyps are detected, the physician may opt to remove them or take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from the colon lining for further examination under a microscope.

Following your procedure, we will keep you under observation until the effects of the sedative have worn off.

Instructions

Before your sigmoidoscopy appointment, please be sure to read the information sheet with full details. Click below to view instructions.

Download Instructions

Because you will receive sedation as part of the procedure, you may not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. You must arrange for another adult to take you home after your procedure.You can expect to be at the clinic for a total of 2 ½ to 3 hours.

Stop taking any ASA, blood thinning or iron medication 5 days before your procedure. For other medications, please check with your doctor.

The day before your procedure, do not eat anything and drink clear liquids only. Clear liquids include strained fruit juices with no pulp (apple, white grape), Gatorade, lemonade, Popsicles, and ice. Do not eat or drink after midnight.

Before the day of your procedure, you will need to obtain Pico-Salax mix and a Fleet Enema from your local pharmacy.

At 6:00 pm the day before your procedure, prepare one sachet of the Pico-Salax solution according to package instructions and drink it.

The morning of your procedure, when you wake insert the Fleet Enema into your rectum. You can expect to have a bowel movement within 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you have used the Fleet Enema do not drink anything until after your sigmoidoscopy.

Patient Forms

Once you have an appointment for a procedure at North York Endoscopy Clinic, please download and print out all the forms below. Fill out the information requested and bring the completed forms with you to your appointment.

Patient Forms
Consent Form Download Form
Patient Forms
COVID Screening Form Download Form
Patient Forms
Medical Information Form Download Form
Patient Forms
Patient Waiver Form Download Form