Preparation for procedure

Prior to the day of your procedure, you will have a pre-assessment (usually by telephone). The nurse will ask you a number of questions about your health to ensure you are able to prepare safely for your procedure. It is important that you have a list of all your medications to hand to give to the nurse.

If you are unsure about your medication, contact your GP practice and ask them to provide you with a list. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

If you are taking iron tablets these must be stopped 1 week prior to you procedure date. If you are offered a date and these haven’t been stopped can you contact the endoscopy unit. 

You will be asked to do an enema at home before you come for your appointment.

An enema is a solution administered via the anus which will clean out the left side of the bowel.  You will need to follow these instructions carefully.

The pre-assessment nurse will send the enema out for you along with the instructions on how to use it.  

Please contact us if you are unable to administer the enema at home as it may be possible to do on the unit. If you haven’t received your enema the day before your procedure, please advise the unit.

Occasionally your Consultant may request for you to have full bowel preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. The pre-assessment nurse will advise you of this and discuss the preparation with you.