When to Stop Eating Before Sigmoidoscopy: Diet & Prep Guidelines

When Should I Stop Eating Before a Sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the large intestine. It is commonly used to screen for colon cancer or evaluate digestive symptoms. To get optimal results, you will need to follow preparatory steps like stopping eating at a certain point.

Knowing the proper sigmoidoscopy diet guidelines can help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Here is a complete overview of what you can eat leading up to the test and when you will need to stop eating before a sigmoidoscopy.

What is a Sigmoidoscopy?

A sigmoidoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to view the inside of the sigmoid colon and rectum. It is similar to a colonoscopy but shorter and examines only the final section of the colon.

Your doctor may recommend a sigmoidoscopy if you have symptoms like:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

A sigmoidoscopy takes about 10-20 minutes and is often done without sedation. It can help diagnose causes of GI issues like hemorrhoids, polyps, inflammation, or cancer.

Why an Empty Colon is Needed

In order to clearly visualize the colon, the gastrointestinal tract needs to be completely cleared of stool. Leftover debris and fluid can obstruct the view and make it difficult to spot any abnormalities.

That’s why following a restricted diet and using bowel prep is so important when preparing for a sigmoidoscopy. The bowel must be emptied through frequent trips to the bathroom after taking laxatives or enemas.

When to Stop Eating Solid Foods Before Sigmoidoscopy

The general guideline is to stop eating any solid foods about 24 hours before your scheduled sigmoidoscopy. Clear liquids will be allowed up until 2-4 hours before the test.

So for a sigmoidoscopy scheduled at 10am, for example, you would want to stop eating solid foods at 10am the day before. Then you would continue the prep process and switch to only clear liquids up to 6-8am the morning of the procedure.

Sample Sigmoidoscopy Prep Timeline

Here is a sample timeline showing when to stop eating solids and switch to only clear liquids when prepping for a morning sigmoidoscopy:

• 2 days before: Start following the low fiber sigmoidoscopy diet
• The day before at 10am: Stop eating all solid foods and switch to only clear liquids
• The evening before: Take any laxatives or enemas as directed by your provider
• The morning of at 6-8am: Stop drinking clear liquids
• The morning of: Arrive for your sigmoidoscopy with an empty stomach and colon

Purpose of Liquid Diet Before Procedure

Sticking to only clear liquids for at least 8 hours pre-procedure serves a few important purposes:

• Keeps the colon empty by reducing input
• Replaces fluids lost from laxative effects
• Avoids complications if sedation is used

The liquid diet contains minimal residue while allowing hydration up until a few hours before the sigmoidoscopy.

Foods to Avoid Before Sigmoidoscopy

In the day leading up to the test, you’ll want to avoid any foods that could leave residue or waste in your colon. Your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on what foods to restrict based on your bowel prep.

But in general, you will want to avoid:

• Whole grains: bran, granola, oats
• Seeds, nuts, popcorn
• Raw fruits and vegetables with skin or seeds
• Dried fruits
• Tough meat with gristle
• Whole milk dairy products
• Fried or fatty foods
• Alcohol

These foods either take longer to digest or leave behind fiber or waste that could interfere with the visualization of your colon. Stay away from them in the 24 hours leading up to the sigmoidoscopy.

Low Fiber Diet

2-3 days before, experts recommend switching to a low fiber diet to start clearing out your system. This involves avoiding:

• Whole grains
• Raw produce
• Beans, legumes
• Nuts, seeds
• Dried fruit

Instead, choose refined grains, cooked vegetables, tender meats, eggs, dairy, and other low fiber foods. This kickstarts the colon cleansing before you have to stick to liquids only.

What About Medications?

Check with your doctor about any daily medications you normally take. Most can be continued up until the procedure. Just avoid supplements like iron that could leave residue behind.

Medications for blood pressure, thyroid, seizures, etc. should be taken as normal with a small sip of water if needed.

Clear Liquid Diet Before Sigmoidoscopy

Once you stop eating solids, you’ll move to a clear liquid diet up until a few hours before the sigmoidoscopy. This includes:

• Water
• Sparkling water
• Black coffee or tea (no milk/creamer)
• Clear juices without pulp (apple, white grape, lemonade)
• Clear soda (ginger ale, Sprite)
• Sports drinks like Gatorade
• Clear broths and bouillons
• Jello
• Popsicles without fruit or cream

Drink plenty of approved liquids during this phase to stay hydrated. Caffeine in moderation is fine.

Avoid any liquids you cannot see through, like orange juice, milk, or cream soups. Also steer clear of red or purple liquids that could be mistaken for blood during the procedure.

Tips for the Clear Liquid Diet

Here are some tips for getting through the clear liquid diet before your sigmoidoscopy:

• Aim for a variety - don’t just drink water
• Flavor clear broths with salt, pepper, lemon
• Stay hydrated by sipping throughout the day
• Avoid overdoing beverages with caffeine or sugar
• Suck on popsicles when hungry for a touch of flavor

Make sure to follow any additional instructions from your doctor such as when to discontinue clear liquids.

Bowel Prep for Sigmoidoscopy

Bowel prep is a vital part of getting cleaned out before a sigmoidoscopy. The large intestine must be completely free of stool to allow proper visualization.

Different types of bowel prep may be recommended by your doctor, including:

• Laxatives - Taken as pills or liquids to stimulate bowel movements
• Enemas - Involve injecting liquid solutions into the rectum
• Suppositories - Inserted into the rectum to induce bowel movements

Always follow your doctor’s precise instructions when using these purging methods to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

Results of Proper Bowel Prep

If you thoroughly complete the bowel prep, you should start passing clear yellow or gold liquid with no solid pieces. You may need to remain near a toilet, as the bowel prep will induce diarrhea

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.