Discharge advice following a non-sedated colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy
This page gives you information on care following your colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy.
When can you eat and drink?
You can eat and drink normally after discharge; although we do recommend a lighter diet for today.
Medication
You can take your usual prescribed medications when they are next due unless otherwise stated by the Endoscopist or discharging nurse. For blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) separate advice will be given.
After effects
You may experience the following:
- A bloated, windy feeling – moving around may help to relieve this.
- If we have removed a polyp, you may bleed slightly after the procedure; this is not unusual.
What happens next?
- A report will be sent to your GP.
- The results of the test and any specimens taken are sent directly to your GP. This can take up to 5 weeks.
- If a consultant follow up is needed you will receive an appointment letter in the post.
- If a repeat procedure is needed your medical notes will be reviewed by an Endoscopist before you are due to attend.
- This is because the criteria for repeating procedures may change or be altered as National Guidelines are reviewed and updated. If it is felt that your procedure is no longer required we will send you a letter in the post.
A member of the nursing team will have explained to you what has been done today and any further tests that you may need.
When to seek advice
Serious side effects are rare. However, if any of the following occur within 48 hours after your colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy please contact the Endoscopy Unit where you had your procedure.
- Severe pain in the neck, chest or abdomen
- Bleeding from the bowel (bottom) or bowel motion turns black
- Abdominal pain and/or bloating
- High temperature (fever) or you feel generally unwell.
- Disorientation (feeling lost or confused)
If you have been given Buscopan® to relax your bowel during the procedure please seek urgent medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Painful red eye with loss of vision.
- Blurred, misty or foggy vision.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Unable to pass urine.
If you have any concerns please contact one of the following for advice:
- Endoscopy Unit where you were seen
- GP
- NHS 111
If you think you require immediate medical attention, please phone 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
Contact information
Endoscopy Unit
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 8222
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cheltenham General Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 3370
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cirencester Hospital
Tel: 0300 421 6200
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Stroud Hospital
Tel: 0300 421 8073
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Between 6:00pm and 8:00am you should contact the:
Gloucestershire Hospitals Switchboard
Tel: 0300 422 2222
When prompted ask for the operator. Ask the operator to contact the Site Management Team. The operator will then contact a Senior Nurse who will be able to advise you.
Feedback
To help the Endoscopy Department understand what is important to you and how we can improve our service, we would appreciate if you would take the time to complete a feedback survey.
All responses will be anonymous and any information provided will be used sensitively and stored securely.
To access the survey, please click the link below:
Alternatively, if you would prefer to scan a QR code, this is available within the PDF document at the bottom of this page.