Examining bowel preparation before flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Aim: To investigate bowel preparation for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, particularly the procedure for the administration of a phosphate enema and patient expectation to 'wait as long as they can' before the urge to rush to the toilet.

Method: A survey approach was used with a questionnaire recording the time to toilet after the enema and level of bowel clearance.

Results: Over half of participants (24 of 40) chose to use the toilet immediately. Bowel clearance was reported as good in 32 of the 40 participants and side-effects were reduced.

Conclusion: Giving patients choice when to visit the toilet after an enema improved their experience and achieved good bowel clearance for the procedures. Further research should be undertaken due to the small size of the study.