Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible scope to examine the rectum and the lower part of the colon (sigmoid).
Endoscopic examination of the colon (Sigmoidoscopy)
Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination where a flexible, finger-thick tube with a TV camera is inserted into the rectum and the left side of the colon. The sigmoidoscopy examination can determine the cause of, for example, blood in the stool, pain, or difficulty with defecation. However, its purpose is just as often to rule out illness - especially colon cancer.
The sigmoidoscopy examination provides a precise image of the inside of the intestine and reveals why there is, for example, blood in the stool. It is also possible (and painless) to take tissue samples for microscopic examination. The examination typically lasts 5-10 minutes and is performed in most individuals without significant discomfort. This also applies when it is performed at Kirurgen.dk in Charlottenlund. Therefore, the use of pain medication/sedatives is not necessary.
Preparation for sigmoidoscopy
To achieve a good result from the sigmoidoscopy examination, it is important that the bowel is thoroughly cleansed.
Diet
On the day before the sigmoidoscopy examination you may eat normally until 2:00 PM. Thereafter, only thin liquids such as cordial, soda, apple juice, Faxe Kondi, Cola, tea, coffee, sparkling water, sorbet (water ice) without berries, broth, beer, wine. No dairy products. No creamed or "thick" soups (like tomato soup and asparagus soup). Drink plenty of fluids. Preferably sugary.
On the day of the examination, only a cup of tea/coffee for breakfast and water until the sigmoidoscopy examination is over. After the sigmoidoscopy examination, you may eat and drink normally.
Bowel preparation
Two ready-to-use Fleet enemas of 133 ml each are used.
Obtainable from the pharmacy upon presentation of the requisition. The evening before the examination, at approximately 7:00 PM, the first Fleet enema is administered.
Three hours before the sigmoidoscopy examination, the second Fleet enema is administered. The procedure is as follows:
- Lie on your left side.
- Remove the red cap from the container.
- Squeeze the contents into the intestine. There is more in the container than necessary, so do not worry if it is not completely emptied.
- Hold it in for as long as possible. Most people can only hold it for a few minutes.
- Do not take any other laxatives.
Your usual medication
Usual medication may be taken with water.
After the sigmoidoscopy examination
After your sigmoidoscopy examination, Kirurgen.dk offers a cup of coffee and a piece of bread.
Is the sigmoidoscopy examination dangerous?
Sigmoidoscopy is a safe examination. Complications are extremely rare.
Kirurgen.dk would like to hear from you if, within the next few days after the sigmoidoscopy examination, you observe:
- bleeding from the rectum
- abdominal pain lasting more than 3 hours
- chills and fever above 38.2°C
Therefore, if pain or fever occurs within the first 8 days, you should see a doctor, either at Kirurgen.dk, an out-of-hours doctor, or at the emergency room.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor. 2920 Charlottenlund
APPOINTMENT BOOKING
We are available by phone Monday-Thursday from 9 AM to 12 PM
FOR REFERRING DOCTORS
Provider number 215430
How to book
Online booking is not available. Call the clinic or ask your GP for a referral.
With a referral from your GP, treatment is free under the Danish public health insurance.
Call the clinic
+45 39 64 01 25
Phone hours
Phone hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00
Address
Hans Edvard Teglers Vej 9, 1st floor · 2920 Charlottenlund