Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy

Why are these tests performed?
These tests look at the bowel lining with a bendy telescope inserted through the anus. A flexible sigmoidoscopy looks at the left half of the bowel whilst a colonoscopy looks at the entire large bowel.

What preparation is needed for the tests?
Your appointment letter will include instructions about what you can eat and drink before the procedure. For a colonoscopy, you need to take medication by mouth (included in the appointment letter) to clear the bowel out. For a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the usual preparation is simply an enema (medication that is squirted up the anal canal into the rectum to encourage a bowel movement).

What do the tests involve?
If you are having a colonoscopy, you need to have sedation via a needle inserted in the back of your hand to make you drowsy and relaxed. For a flexible sigmoidoscopy, you can opt to have this done with sedation or awake. If done with you awake, you will be able to drive yourself home almost immediately after the test. During the procedure you will be given oxygen to help your breathing and monitored with a blood pressure cuff around your arm and a sensor on your finger.

What happens after the tests?
If you have had sedation then you will be observed by the nursing staff for 1-2 hours after the procedure until you are fully awake. You should not drive for 24 hours as there may be some residual effects from the sedation. If you have had no sedation, you can drive home and return to work later that day if you wish.