Colonoscopy or Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Sedation    

You have had either a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy with sedation (a drug which makes you feel comfortable and relaxed during the procedure).

This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any questions or concerns when you go home.

A responsible adult must take you home and should stay with you for at least 12 hours.

How will I feel when I go home?

You may feel tired due to the effects of the sedation. Do not worry, relax quietly at home for the rest of the day. The effects of sedation will stay with you for 24 hours so it is very important you follow the advice below.

For the first 24 hours after sedation you:

• Must not go back to work.

• Must not drive a car, ride a bicycle or motorcycle. It is an offence to drive while unfit to do so because of drugs used during your sedation and it will probably invalidate your insurance policy.

• Must not supervise children.

• Must not make important decisions or sign any legal documents.

• Must not operate machinery or electrical appliances.

• Must not go near open flames or sources of high heat.

• Must not drink alcohol.

• Must not take sleeping tablets, sedatives or any drugs other than those prescribed for you by your GP.

• Must not lock the toilet or bathroom door in case you need any help.

• Should not smoke.

You can eat and drink as normal after your examination. As your bowel has been emptied it often takes 2 to 3 days for your bowel movements to return to normal.

You can take any medications (drugs) as normal, unless your endoscopist (a doctor or nurse trained to do colonoscopies and flexible sigmoidoscopies) has advised you not to.

You may suffer from some abdominal (tummy) discomfort due to the air put into your bowel during your examination. This may make you feel bloated and you may feel the need to pass wind. This usually settles within 24 hours.

If you had any biopsies (small pieces of tissue), or polyps (small wart like growths) removed, you may pass small traces of blood from your rectum (back passage) for up to 48 hours after your colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.

You must contact the Endoscopy Unit or your GP during normal surgery hours immediately if:

• You have severe pain in your abdomen.
• You develop a temperature higher than 38°C (100.4°F).
• You develop severe vomiting (being sick).
• Any bleeding from your rectum increases or continues longer than 48 hours.

Outside surgery hours you should contact the Emergency Department who can liaise with the Gastroenterologist Consultant on call if required (see contact numbers at the end of this leaflet).

If you have an urgent problem the night after your colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy you should contact your local Emergency Department (see contact numbers).

When will I be told the results of my colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy examination?

Before you leave the unit your nurse or endoscopist will explain the results of your examination to you and you will be given a copy of this. Your GP will be sent a report.

If the endoscopist who has done your endoscopy feels it is necessary you may be given some medication and/or an outpatient appointment.

If you had any biopsies taken and sent to a laboratory for further examination you may have to wait for up to 12 weeks for the results. Your GP will also be sent a copy of these results. If you are given an outpatient appointment, your results will be discussed with you then.

If you have not received your results, you can make an appointment to see your GP to discuss them.  Please note the Endoscopy Unit do not receive a copy of your results.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:

University Hospital of North Tees

Endoscopy Unit

Telephone: 01642 624387

Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm

Emergency Department

Telephone: 01642 382899

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Rutherford Morison Unit

Telephone: 01429 522356

Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.30pm

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from a landline and mobile phones via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]