Flexible sigmoidoscopy prep questions and answers

Start 7 days before. IMPORTANT: Please commence your admission process by registering at: https://www.sjog.org.au/patients-and-visitors/my-admission. If you need assistance with the admission process, please call St Johns on 1300 863 566. Read your prep instructions through and confirm your medications with the clinic.

Yes. You will be sedated, so you must have a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for the rest of the day. You cannot drive, ride, use public transport alone, sign legal documents or drink alcohol for 24 hours afterwards.

If you are having an anaesthetic or sedative, fast for 6 hours before your procedure — nothing to eat or drink, other than clear water up to 3 hours beforehand. If you are not having sedation, you do not need to fast.

Never stop a blood thinner without advice. List your blood-thinning medications when you sign up and confirm the plan with the clinic at least 7 days before, so your doctor can tell you whether to pause, adjust or continue them.

Diabetes medication usually needs adjusting while you are fasting. Tell the clinic which medications and doses you take at least 7 days before, and follow the plan your care team gives you. Monitor your blood glucose more often during your prep days.

Yes. If biopsies are being taken to check for Coeliac disease, you must keep eating gluten in the lead-up (a gluten challenge) so the test is accurate. Tick the Coeliac testing option in the app and your diet guides will include the gluten-challenge advice.

Most regular medications can be taken with a small sip of water on the morning of your procedure, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Bring a current list of everything you take, including supplements, to your admission.

Seek urgent care if you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen hard abdomen, persistent vomiting, no urine output, chest pain, or you feel very unwell. Ring the clinic during business hours, or go to your nearest emergency department after hours.

Update your procedure date and admission time in the prep checklist. Every milestone, calendar export, reminder and printed PDF is recalculated from that date, so your plan and alerts move with the new appointment.

Follow the fasting time given in your day-of instructions — clear water stops 3 hours before your procedure when you are having sedation. The app's day-of guide shows your fasting cut-off based on your arrival time.

Photo identification, your Medicare Card and Health Insurance Details, a current medication list, your admission paperwork, and comfortable clothing. Leave valuables at home and arrange your ride home before you arrive.

The flexible sigmoidoscopy itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. With admission, sedation and recovery, plan to be at the hospital for around 3 to 4 hours. You may feel bloated or windy afterwards, which settles quickly.

Your doctor will usually give you an initial summary before you go home. Biopsy or pathology results take a little longer and are discussed at your follow-up appointment.