Download Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

ABOUT YOUR DOCTOR
Dr Michael Merrett
Dr Michael Merrett is a Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist who
specialises in advanced gastrointestinal endoscopic techniques.
Dr Merrett studied Medicine at Monash University (1977-1982), graduating
with honours. This was followed by four years postgraduate training in
Internal Medicine and then three years specialist training in
Gastroenterology at Prince Henry’s and St.Vincent’s hospitals in Melbourne.
This was followed by a two year appointment at Oxford University as a
Senior Research Fellow in Gastroenterology. This included research in
advanced endoscopic techniques and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. He has
been in private practice as a Gastroenterologist for 22 years and has
authored scientific publications in both Australian and International
medical journals.

FLEXIBLE
SIGMOIDOSCOPY
Frankston Private Day Surgery
Level 2, 24-28 Frankston Flinders Road, Frankston
Admission time:
Please call the Frankston Private Day Surgery on 9781 6900
AFTER 2.00pm the working day prior to your procedure
Dr Merrett’s specialist interests include:
1. Colonoscopy and bowel cancer screening
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and
Coeliac disease
3. ERCP (Endoscopy of the bile duct/liver and pancreas)
4. Endoscopic intervention in cancer, including stents throughout the GI
tract, NdYAG laser, APC therapy and gastrostomy tubes
5. Advanced therapies for Barrett’s oesophagus including Endoscopic
mucosal resection and HALO ablation
6. Gastric Balloons for management of obesity
7. Gastroesophageal reflux, including medical and endoscopic therapies
8. Routine gastroscopy
9. Capsule endoscopy (“pillcam”)
10. Jaundice and liver disease (excluding viral hepatitis)
Procedure Information and Patient Instructions
Date………………………………………………………….…………………………
Please note that on the day of your procedure:
 You must not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
 Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
 Do not bring valuables with you.
 Please bring your Private Health Insurance details, Medicare card, current
Pension/Health Care card, a current list of medications and your referral
letter with you.
 Arrange for someone to drive you home
Taxis are only permitted if you are accompanied by an adult.
You will need to have someone stay with you overnight after
the procedure
If you encounter any medical issues whilst preparing for your
procedure with Dr Michael Merrett please call his consulting rooms
on (03) 9781 6990 during business hours
Or for after-hours EMERGENCIES ONLY please call (03) 9387 1000
This information has been prepared to assist you in understanding what happens during a
colonoscopy. If you have any questions please discuss them with your doctor.
What is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure that allows the last part of the colon
(sigmoid) to be examined in its entirety. The procedure may be used to investigate
that cause of abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. It is also used to look for
benign and malignant polyps (growths), as well as early signs of cancer and other
abnormalities in the descending colon and rectum. In certain cases, treatment can be
performed through the sigmoidoscope during the procedure, thereby avoiding the
need for a surgical operation.
What happens during the examination?
Prior to the examination you will be given an intravenous sedation that will make you
drowsy and comfortable. It is likely that you will remember little or nothing about the
examination.
The sigmoidoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is passed through the anus and into
the rectum and colon. It contains optical fibres that allow high resolution imaging of
the rectum and distal colon. The examination usually takes approximately 15 minutes
to complete.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients have no memory of the procedure. In circumstances where there may
be some discomfort, appropriate measures such as additional medication can be
utilised to avoid excessive pain.
Are there any risks?
All tests, especially those requiring sedation are associated with some risk. Please ask
us prior to the procedure if you would like full details of rare complications.
PLEASE INFORM OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF:
Breast Feeding – Our office can provide instructions regarding breast feeding
before and after anaesthetic.
Taking blood thinning medication – (e.g. Aspirin, Warfarin etc) some of these
medications may need to be ceased prior to the procedure.
Diabetic – Please inform reception if you are diabetic, as your medications may
need to be adjusted prior to the procedure.
Iron tablets – These must be ceased 7 days prior to the procedure.
You have a lap band - Different fasting instructions apply to patients with a lap band.
Please ask our office for more information.
You have a pacemaker – Please contact our office if you have a pacemaker, as special
arrangements may need to be made.
PREPARATION FOR FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
The colon must be well prepared to ensure accurate views. Please follow our
instructions carefully (please disregard any instructions on the packaging).
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR PREPARATION
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ON 9781 6990.
THREE DAYS PRIOR
Please avoid eating cereal grains (e.g. muesli), multigrain breads,
tomatoes, passionfruit, poppy seeds, nuts or other seed fruits for
three days prior to your colonoscopy.
DAY BEFORE FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
You may have a light breakfast and a light lunch and then drink *clear
fluids only all day. Please do not eat any food after lunch.
No solid foods, milk or orange juice are to be taken after lunch.
Additional *clear fluids must be taken in conjunction with the
preparations to avoid dehydration.
*Clear fluids: Lemonade, soda water, mineral water, apple/blackcurrant fruit
juice, sports drinks (Gatorade), Lucozade, jelly, Bonox, clear soups, water, black
(no milk) tea/coffee. Sugar is permitted in your tea/coffee.
2pm
Take 3 Coloxyl with Senna (laxative tablets).
Dissolve 2 sachets of PICOPREP into 500ml of warm water and put in
refrigerator.
DAY OF FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
Take any usual medications with a sip of water (unless advised otherwise)
3 hours prior to admission time – Commence drinking PICOPREP bowel
preparation (500ml).
Cease any additional fluids (including water) two hours
prior to your admission time