Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe and easy way to reduce bowel cancer mortality in people
around the age of 55. The purpose of this video is to explain what
will happen before, during and after the procedure to ensure you are fully prepared and know
what to expect when you come. Taking your enema.
You should aim to take the enema one hour before you are due to leave to attend the
hospital. When you are ready to take the enema open
the box to remove the enema. If you have any questions that the information you have been
sent or this video does not answer, it may be helpful to read the information leaflet
supplied with the enema. Place a towel on your bed and lie on your
left hand side having taken down your undergarments to allow you to place the enema nozzle into
your back passage. Then gently insert the nozzle into your back
passage with a side to side wiggle. If needed, gently straining may help insertion. Once
the nozzle is fully inserted, squeeze the enema tube to empty all of the contents into
your back passage and then gently remove the nozzle. Stay on your side for the next 10
minutes if you can. You can pull you clothes back up if you wish
or simply cover yourself with a towel. Once you have a strong urge to empty your
bowels you can then go to the toilet. Most people will only go once with the enema,
but don't worry if you need to go more times. Occasionally a bit of bleeding may be noticed
from the insertion of the nozzle, especially if you have piles. This is nothing to worry
about. Please remember to bring your consent form
and invitation letter with you when you leave to come to the hospital.
Finding the endoscopy unit. On arriving in the hospital grounds, park
in any of the car parks.... The endoscopy unit can be found easily on
the ground floor of the hospital, but is probably best found from the main entrance.
Head straight into the hospital past Costa Coffee and Boots and look for the large star
on the floor. Turn left at this point and the endoscopy
unit can be found on the left hand side of the corridor 20 yards from the star.
If you get lost, ask a volunteer for help or look for the signs.
Getting ready for the procedure. You will need to check in at reception and
confirm your details and show your consent form with you if it has been sent in the post.
If your enema has not worked, please let the receptionist know.
You will then wait to be called by the nurse to show you where to get changed into your
gown. A dressing gown may help you feel less embarrassed
so please bring one as well as a book to read. When it is time for your procedure you will
taken through to the endoscopy room. The procedure itself.
You will be asked to lie on your left hand side on the couch.
Two nurses will be present in the room to help with the procedure and look after you.
After the endoscopist has passed a finger into your back passage to help lubricate the
endoscope, the endoscope will be passed. This model shows you how the endoscope moves
around the lower part of your large bowel. Carbon dioxide will be blown into the bowel
to help the endoscopist look for polyps and pass the scope.
You will probably be asked to change position during the procedure. This is normal and helps
the endoscopist get around your bowel. You should expect a windy discomfort and occasional
cramping pains. If these are very uncomfortable you can have entonox to help.
About one in five people will have polyps and if these are small and need removing we
will do this during the procedure. This should not be painful but may prolong
the procedure by a few minutes. If you have lots of polyps or a very large
polyp you will need another procedure to examine all of your bowel.
We will tell you the result of the procedure there and then.
If you haven't had any polyps removed, at the end of the procedure you can walk out
of the room and get changed again. You can then have a drink before leaving.
If you have had lots of polyps removed you may need to recover over the next half an
hour or so on the trolley. Discharge and follow-up.
You will be given a copy of your report which will include the findings and follow-up plans.
Most people will have a normal procedure or only a few small polyps and no follow-up will
be necessary. About 1 in 20 will need a further procedure
which will be explained to you before you leave.
A letter will be sent to your GP explaining that you have had screening and its outcome.
A nurse will phone you the day afterwards if you have had a polyp removed to ensure
that you remain well and understand your follow-up arrangments.
If you have not had a polyp removed we will give you a telephone number should you have
any problems after the procedure. Hopefully this video has helped you prepare
for your procedure and answered any questions you may have about flexible sigmoioscopy.
We look forward to seeing you when you come and if you have any more questions please
call the following number.