Fasting guide for flexible sigmoidoscopy
Easy-to-read guides for each phase of your preparation diet. Choose the section that matches where you are in your prep.
The morning of your procedure
Arrive prepared, on time, and with a support person
You will need to fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure if you are having an anaesthetic or sedative. When fasting have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours, other than clear water only up to 3 hours before your procedure.
Some patients opt not to have any sedatives so they can drive home, however be aware that the procedure is uncomfortable/painful. If you are not having any sedation, you do not need to fast.
Please take your regular medications with a sip of water at least 2 hours prior to attending hospital. However, if you are on a blood thinning medication such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin, please discuss this with your GP or contact the Hospital prior to the procedure, as these medications may have to be stopped up to 1 week prior to the procedure.
You should advise the nursing staff if you are allergic or sensitive to any drug or substances.
Gluten challenge for Coeliac testing
Your doctor is taking biopsies to check for Coeliac disease. For the test to be accurate, you need to keep eating gluten before the procedure.
- Continue eating normal amounts of wheat, barley, rye, and oats (if you usually eat them).
- If you are already on a gluten-free diet, speak with your doctor about a formal gluten challenge before the test. A common challenge is the equivalent of 2 slices of wheat bread daily for about 6 weeks.
- Do not start a gluten-free diet until after your procedure and your doctor has discussed the results with you.
- Keep eating gluten-containing foods (e.g., white bread, plain wheat biscuits, white pasta) up until your fasting window begins.
If you have already cut out gluten, let the clinic know before your appointment. Your doctor may need to reschedule the biopsies or adjust the advice.
The day before
Eat and drink as normal. There is no special diet the day before — just these final arrangements.
Work out when your fasting starts
If you are having sedation, count back 6 hours from your procedure time for food and drink, and 3 hours for clear water. Write both times down so they are ready in the morning.
Confirm your ride home
Check that a responsible adult can collect you and stay with you after sedation. You cannot drive yourself.
Finish your admission registration
Complete your online admission with St John of God Hospital Murdoch and have your Medicare Card, health insurance details, and a current medication list ready.
The day of
Complete these steps unless your doctor gave you different instructions.
Fast for 6 hours if having sedation
If you are having an anaesthetic or sedative, have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure, other than clear water up to 3 hours before. If you are not having any sedation, you do not need to fast.
Stop clear water 3 hours before
Clear water only during the fasting window, and stop that 3 hours before your procedure time.
Take regular medications with a sip of water
Take your regular medications with a sip of water at least 2 hours before attending hospital. If you take a blood thinner such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin, discuss this with your GP or contact the Hospital beforehand, as these may need to be stopped up to 1 week prior. Tell nursing staff about any drug or substance allergies or sensitivities.
Arrive on time with everything you need
Double-check your arrival time and location, and bring your Medicare Card, Health Insurance Details, a current medication list, and your ride home.
What to bring
Identification
Photo ID and insurance card
Medication list
A current list with dosages
Comfort items
Loose clothing and a light jacket
Support person
Someone to drive you home
Questions
A written list for your doctor
Payment
Copay or payment method if required
When to call your doctor
Contact your care team if you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, have severe abdominal pain, notice heavy rectal bleeding, develop a fever, or feel severely weak or dizzy. These symptoms are uncommon, but it's important to get guidance.