{"id":1161,"date":"2025-02-25T07:39:51","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T07:39:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/?page_id=1161"},"modified":"2025-10-24T09:41:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T09:41:10","slug":"flexible-sigmoidoscopy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/flexible-sigmoidoscopy\/","title":{"rendered":"Flexible Sigmoidoscopy"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1161\" class=\"elementor elementor-1161\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-32bad11 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no\" data-id=\"32bad11\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-505bc8b\" data-id=\"505bc8b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fb0269 elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2fb0269\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Flexible Sigmoidoscopy <BR> at Harmony<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3be0b28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3be0b28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"#\">Home<\/a> &gt; Flexible Sigmoidoscopy at Harmony<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-24e78ad elementor-reverse-tablet elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no\" data-id=\"24e78ad\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6ed47fc\" data-id=\"6ed47fc\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75cde87 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"75cde87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2538907 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2538907\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple test that allows a doctor to examine the lower part of your large bowel (rectum and sigmoid colon) using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end. It helps check for any problems like inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities. The procedure is usually quick, and most people can go home the same day.<br \/><\/span><b>A flexible sigmoidoscopy needs to be scheduled.<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7fab6c5\" data-id=\"7fab6c5\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84b257b elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"84b257b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Photo-for-endoscopy-or-other-page.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1249\" alt=\"Flexible Sigmoidoscopy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Photo-for-endoscopy-or-other-page.jpg 800w, https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Photo-for-endoscopy-or-other-page-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Photo-for-endoscopy-or-other-page-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-10029a7 elementor-reverse-tablet elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no\" data-id=\"10029a7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-348447d\" data-id=\"348447d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97eccd6 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"97eccd6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do I need to prepare for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb492ab elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb492ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An enema is used to clear the lower part of your large bowel for the doctor to examine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help ensure the best results, it&#8217;s important to prepare your bowel before the procedure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what you need to do:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow your doctor\u2019s instructions \u2013 You may be asked to avoid eating solid foods or drinking certain liquids for a few hours before the procedure. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the Enema \u2013 On the day of your procedure, you will be asked to take an enema. This is a simple procedure that helps clear the lower part of your bowel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay comfortable \u2013 The enema will be given at home or at the clinic before your procedure. It\u2019s important to follow the steps carefully, and you will have instructions on how to do this.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive on time \u2013 After your preparation, please arrive at the clinic as scheduled.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1003725\" data-id=\"1003725\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4cec46 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e4cec46\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Can I have a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy under sedation? <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b73579 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b73579\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. We prefer you have sedation for the procedure, though you have the option of undergoing the procedure without sedatives. Should you choose to be sedated, you have the option of conscious or deep sedation. Deep sedation is administered by an Anaesthesiologist.\u00a0<br \/>This is rarely required<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please let us know your preference when booking your procedure so we can make the necessary arrangements for your comfort and safety.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Procedures under sedation are followed by a recovery time of 30 minutes.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, if you have had sedation, you must not drive, operate any heavy machinery or take any important decisions (especially legal decisions) for the next 24 hours. You must have a responsible person collect you following the recovery period and look after you for the next 24 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may resume normal activities after the 24 hour period. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-eb69076 elementor-reverse-tablet elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no\" data-id=\"eb69076\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f2b2a3a\" data-id=\"f2b2a3a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6faf302 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6faf302\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><span style=\"font-size: 35.2px\">Do I need to make any changes to my current medicines for the procedure?<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fba5298 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fba5298\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, in some instances minor, temporary changes to your current medicine regimen are necessary to perform the procedure safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><br>Diabetes Mellitus &#8211; Type 1 or Type 2&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since you must follow a 6 hour fast, there is a risk of running a low blood sugar level.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on insulin, you are advised to avoid the dose on the morning of procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on tablets, avoid taking the dose on the day of the procedure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please carry a sugary drink with you to help with any episode of low blood sugar.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following the procedure you may take a small meal and continue your medications as usual.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><br>Hypertension (high blood pressure)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on medicines for high blood pressure, you <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">MUST TAKE your medicine<\/span> on the day of the procedure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><br>Blood thinning medicines<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, or a combination of these, you may continue to take them normally.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on Warfarin or Acenocoumarin, you must omit the dose on the day of procedure. However we will still need your latest INR value (to see if your warfarin dose is within the recommended range), valid within the last 2 weeks. You can have this tested at your GP clinic.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are on Apixaban, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban or Dabigatran, you must omit the dose on the day of procedure.<br><br><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em>Please tell us if you are on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-16d16d0\" data-id=\"16d16d0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fa69a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2fa69a8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e652ee1 elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e652ee1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Can-be-used-as-a-link-to-endoscopy-page.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1248\" alt=\"Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Can-be-used-as-a-link-to-endoscopy-page.jpg 533w, https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Can-be-used-as-a-link-to-endoscopy-page-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c98102d elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c98102d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Where you are unsure about any of the above instructions or you have any questions about another medicine, do feel free to <\/strong><\/span><\/i><strong><i>reach out to us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-baf41cb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"baf41cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm elementor-animation-float\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-728eeb1 elementor-reverse-tablet elementor-reverse-mobile elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no\" data-id=\"728eeb1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-07fe327\" data-id=\"07fe327\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c67e91 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c67e91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Are there any risks to undergoing a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63f1fcb elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-mobile__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"63f1fcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure, but like any medical test, there are some risks. These are rare, but it&#8217;s good to be aware of them:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discomfort or cramping \u2013 You may feel some mild discomfort or cramping during the procedure, but this usually goes away quickly.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding (less than 1 in 1,000 cases) \u2013 If a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed, there is a small risk of bleeding, which is usually minimal and stops on its own.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perforation (less than 1 in 10,000 cases) \u2013 In very rare cases, the wall of the bowel can be accidentally torn. If this happens, it may require further treatment.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reaction to sedation \u2013 If you receive sedation, there is a very small chance of a reaction, but this is carefully monitored.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>In case of any complication, the clinic has protocols in place to ensure that you are transferred to an NHS facility with good communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><em><strong>Most people have no complications and recover quickly after the procedure. If you have any concerns, feel free to talk to us before your procedure.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flexible Sigmoidoscopy at Harmony Home &gt; Flexible Sigmoidoscopy at Harmony What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple test that allows a doctor to examine the lower part of your large bowel (rectum and sigmoid colon) using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end. It helps check for any problems like inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities. The procedure is usually quick, and most people can go home the same day.A flexible sigmoidoscopy needs to be scheduled. Do I need to prepare for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? An enema is used to clear the lower part of your large bowel for the doctor to examine.\u00a0 To help ensure the best results, it&#8217;s important to prepare your bowel before the procedure.\u00a0 Here\u2019s what you need to do: Follow your doctor\u2019s instructions \u2013 You may be asked to avoid eating solid foods or drinking certain liquids for a few hours before the procedure. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully. Take the Enema \u2013 On the day of your procedure, you will be asked to take an enema. This is a simple procedure that helps clear the lower part of your bowel.\u00a0 Stay comfortable \u2013 The enema will be given at home or at the clinic before your procedure. It\u2019s important to follow the steps carefully, and you will have instructions on how to do this. Arrive on time \u2013 After your preparation, please arrive at the clinic as scheduled. Can I have a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy under sedation? Yes. We prefer you have sedation for the procedure, though you have the option of undergoing the procedure without sedatives. Should you choose to be sedated, you have the option of conscious or deep sedation. Deep sedation is administered by an Anaesthesiologist.\u00a0This is rarely required Please let us know your preference when booking your procedure so we can make the necessary arrangements for your comfort and safety. Procedures under sedation are followed by a recovery time of 30 minutes. Remember, if you have had sedation, you must not drive, operate any heavy machinery or take any important decisions (especially legal decisions) for the next 24 hours. You must have a responsible person collect you following the recovery period and look after you for the next 24 hours.\u00a0 You may resume normal activities after the 24 hour period. Do I need to make any changes to my current medicines for the procedure? Yes, in some instances minor, temporary changes to your current medicine regimen are necessary to perform the procedure safely. Diabetes Mellitus &#8211; Type 1 or Type 2&nbsp; Since you must follow a 6 hour fast, there is a risk of running a low blood sugar level.&nbsp; If you are on insulin, you are advised to avoid the dose on the morning of procedure. If you are on tablets, avoid taking the dose on the day of the procedure.&nbsp; Please carry a sugary drink with you to help with any episode of low blood sugar.&nbsp; Following the procedure you may take a small meal and continue your medications as usual.&nbsp; Hypertension (high blood pressure) If you are on medicines for high blood pressure, you MUST TAKE your medicine on the day of the procedure.&nbsp; Blood thinning medicines If you are on Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, or a combination of these, you may continue to take them normally.&nbsp; If you are on Warfarin or Acenocoumarin, you must omit the dose on the day of procedure. However we will still need your latest INR value (to see if your warfarin dose is within the recommended range), valid within the last 2 weeks. You can have this tested at your GP clinic.&nbsp; If you are on Apixaban, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban or Dabigatran, you must omit the dose on the day of procedure. Please tell us if you are on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Saxenda. Where you are unsure about any of the above instructions or you have any questions about another medicine, do feel free to reach out to us.\u00a0\u00a0 Contact Us Are there any risks to undergoing a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe procedure, but like any medical test, there are some risks. These are rare, but it&#8217;s good to be aware of them: Discomfort or cramping \u2013 You may feel some mild discomfort or cramping during the procedure, but this usually goes away quickly. Bleeding (less than 1 in 1,000 cases) \u2013 If a biopsy is taken or a polyp is removed, there is a small risk of bleeding, which is usually minimal and stops on its own. Perforation (less than 1 in 10,000 cases) \u2013 In very rare cases, the wall of the bowel can be accidentally torn. If this happens, it may require further treatment. Reaction to sedation \u2013 If you receive sedation, there is a very small chance of a reaction, but this is carefully monitored. In case of any complication, the clinic has protocols in place to ensure that you are transferred to an NHS facility with good communication.\u00a0 Most people have no complications and recover quickly after the procedure. If you have any concerns, feel free to talk to us before your procedure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1161","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1161"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6353,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1161\/revisions\/6353"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}