Preparation for Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
or Rectal Ultrasound
Purchase the following (all are over the
counter) at a pharmacy or grocery store
•
Two (2) Fleets enema or generic enemas
•
Four (4) Dulcolax or generic laxative tablets
DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
•
At 3:00
pm begin a clear liquid diet (no solid food, milk, or dairy products). You
may consume water, black tea or coffee (no milk or creamer), broth or bouillon
soup, clear juices such as apple, white grape or white cranberry, fruit-flavored drinks such as Crystal Light, Italian ices, Jell-O, popsicles,
carbonated beverages, sports drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade or Propel. Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
•
At 4:00 pm take four (4) Dulcolax
Laxative or generic tablets with 8 ounces of a clear liquid of your choice. Be sure to continue drinking clear
liquids for the rest of the evening to prevent dehydration.
DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE
•
Do NOT drink anything four (4) hours
prior to your procedure arrival time. If you drink any liquids within the 4-hour
window, your procedure will be canceled or delayed. Do not eat any candy or chew gum.
•
Two hours before your ARRIVAL time, use one of the Fleet or generic
enemas rectally at home. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and follow with the second Fleet
or generic enema at home.
•
Do
not take any herbal supplements or vitamins.
•
Do
not smoke or vape on the day of your colonoscopy.
•
Use
your inhaler as prescribed for respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
•
You
must be accompanied by a responsible adult known to you.
You must arrive 60 minutes prior to
your procedure time for pre-op paperwork and assessment.
Please see the Pre-Procedure Instructions for important information regarding your procedure. Sign up or access the Patient Portal for results of procedures, check appointment times and communicate with your care team.
Please see the FAQs for answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding your instructions.
