Sigmoidoscopy

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 to take tissue samples for microscopic examination. The biopsy itself is often not felt, but the examination as a whole can cause bloating, pressure or cramping, and the experience varies from person to person. The examination typically lasts 5-10 minutes. This also applies when it is performed at Kirurgen.dk in Charlottenlund. The use of pain relief or sedation is therefore rarely necessary, but it can be arranged individually.

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. Alcohol must not be used as a clear fluid. 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

Follow the personal bowel-preparation instructions provided by the clinic. They specify the product, number of doses and timing in relation to your examination. Do not use another person's plan or change the dose or timing yourself. If your instructions include a rectal enema, use it 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

There is no general rule about pausing or continuing regular medication before a sigmoidoscopy. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medication and GLP-1 agonists are assessed individually, so contact the clinic in good time. Never stop or change prescribed medication without a specific agreement with the doctor treating you.

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 usually completed without a serious complication. Risk depends in part on whether biopsies are taken or treatment is performed during the examination and on your other conditions and medication.

Contact the acute helpline (1813 in the Capital Region of Denmark, otherwise your local out-of-hours service) the same day after sigmoidoscopy if you have:

• heavy or persistent bleeding from the rectum
• severe or increasing abdominal pain
• fever, chills or feeling generally unwell

Call 112 for collapse, impaired consciousness, severe breathlessness or another life-threatening condition. A scheduled appointment at Kirurgen.dk cannot replace urgent assessment.