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Sigmoidoscopy: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

A sigmoidoscopy lets your doctor look inside the lower part of your large intestine, or colon. The doctor uses a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope (or scope).

This test allows the doctor to look for small growths (called polyps), cancer, bleeding, hemorrhoids, or other problems. The doctor also may have used the scope to remove polyps. Or they may have used it to take tissue samples that need to be tested.

You shouldn't have any pain after the procedure. But it is normal to pass gas. You may have mild discomfort from having gas.

If your doctor removed polyps, you will likely need to schedule a colonoscopy to look at the whole colon.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

Most people are able to return to work right away unless they have had a sedative during the procedure.
You may need someone to drive you home if you have had a sedative. In most cases, you can drive yourself home.

Diet

You can eat your normal diet.
Be sure to drink plenty of liquids to replace those you have lost during the preparation for the procedure.

Exercise

You can return to normal exercise right away.

Medicine

Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You also will be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have new or worse belly pain.
You have blood in your stools.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.