Pezim Clinic

General information
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a portion of the lining of
the large intestine (the lower 40 to 60 centimeters) is examined visually by
means of a flexible instrument. If polyps or other abnormalities are found
in the bowel during the procedure, the surgeon can biopsy them through
the instrument. Removal of polyps is usually not done during flexible
sigmoidoscopy unless the patient has had a ‘full prep’ (see below). The
examination takes 5 to 10 minutes, but plan on being in the Clinic for 1.5 to 2
hours. No sedation is given during flexible sigmoidoscopy so patients are not
required to bring a driver. Patients may drive home on their own or take a taxi
home on their own, etc.

The most common bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy consists
primarily of two simple small enemas. Unlike for colonoscopy, most flexible
sigmoidoscopy patients need not take an oral purge. This is one of the things
that makes flexible sigmoidoscopy simpler than colonoscopy. The reason an
oral purge is generally not needed for flexible sigmoidoscopy is simply because
we don’t plan to go as far up the colon. However, this lesser prep does mean
that if polyps are found, they may be biopsied but not removed during the
flexible sigmoidoscopy since polypectomy requires the use of electrocautery,
and the presence of residual stool in the colon makes electrocautery
dangerous.

Sometimes we do ask for a full colonoscopy bowel prep even if we are just
planning on a flexible sigmoidoscopy. But unless you have been specifically
instructed to do that, just follow the standard flexible sigmoidoscopy prep
instructions listed below.

Standard flexible sigmoidoscopy prep (enema prep)
Several days before the examination:
Go to the drug store and purchase two (2) FLEET disposable enemas (4 ½
ounce). You will NOT need a prescription.

Diet instructions
4 Days before the exam:
Avoid taking Metamucil or similar products, stop eating any foods that contain
nuts, fiber, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, kiwi, cucumber tomatoes or any other
type of small seeds.

The night before your procedure:
Eat a light dinner (No red meat please).

On the day of your examination:
About 4 hours before your exam, begin a clear liquid diet. The liquids you drink may be clear juices such as apple, cranberry, or grape, or simply plain water.
Black coffee, tea, Jell-O (avoid red) or soft drinks are permissible. All solid foods,
milk products, and alcohol should be avoided.

About 2 hours before your exam, use the first Fleet enema. Please carefully
follow the instructions enclosed in the package. The enema is meant to be
inserted into the rectum. Do not drink this product! Expel the enema fluid
as instructed. FROM THIS POINT ON UP UNTIL YOUR EXAMINATION, AVOID
TAKING ANYTHING FURTHER BY MOUTH.

About one hour before your exam, use the second enema exactly the same way
as the first. Afterwards, your bowel should be ready for examination.

You may take all of your normal prescription medications.

DO NOT WEAR ANY PERFUME OR LOTION/CREAM TO YOUR PROCEDURE

Arriving at the clinic
You should arrive at the Clinic a 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
The clinic is located in the Hycroft Building at the northwest corner of Granville
Street and 16th Ave. There is pay parking below the building (enter from alley
off 16th Ave). Please do not wear jewelry (particularly earrings or bracelets),
or contact lenses. Do not bring any valuables with you to the Clinic. If you are
having a menstrual period, please wear a tampon.

CONFIRMING OR CANCELLING YOUR APPOINTMENT:
You must confirm that you will be attending your appointment 5 business days prior to your appointment or your appointment will be given to another patient.

If you are unable to reach us on the phone please leave a message. In case of
sudden onset of illness, please call us to cancel as soon as you feel you are not
well enough to attend. If there is a reimbursement fee for your procedure, it will
have been discussed with you ahead of time. We accept debit cards, cash, Visa,
MasterCard and personal cheques.

© Pezim Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada