WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of your colon (intestine) with a scope. A scope is a flexible tube with a small light and camera on the end. Polyps or tissue growths may be removed during your colonoscopy. How should I prepare the week before my colonoscopy? You will need to stop taking medicines that contain aspirin or iron for 7 days before your colonoscopy. If you take anticoagulants, such as warfarin, ask when you should stop taking it. Make plans for someone to drive you home after your procedure. How should I prepare the day before my colonoscopy? Your healthcare provider will have you prepare your bowels before your procedure. Your bowels will need to be empty before your procedure to allow him to clearly see your colon. You will need to do the following the day before your procedure: - Have only clear liquids for the entire day before your colonoscopy. Clear liquid diet includes clear fruit juices and broths, clear flavored gelatin, and hard candy. It also includes coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, and clear sports drinks.
- Follow your bowel prep as directed. There are many different preparations that can be given before a colonoscopy. Some are given over 2 hours and others over 6 hours. Some are given earlier in the afternoon the day before the colonoscopy. Others are given the day before and then the morning of the colonoscopy. With any bowel prep, stay close to the bathroom. This liquid will cause your bowels to move frequently.
- An enema may be needed. Your healthcare provider may tell you to use an enema to help clean out your bowels.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. This will help prevent problems that can happen if you vomit while under anesthesia.
What will happen during my colonoscopy? - You will be given medicine to help you relax. You will lie on your left side and raise one or both knees toward your chest. Your healthcare provider will examine your anus and use a finger to check your rectum. You may need another enema if your bowel is not empty. The scope will be lubricated and gently placed into your anus. It will then be passed through your rectum and into your colon. Water or air will be put into your colon to help clean or expand it. This is done so your healthcare provider can see your colon clearly.
- Tissue samples may be taken from the walls of your bowel and sent to a lab for tests. If you have a polyp, your healthcare provider will pass a wire loop through the scope and use it to hold the polyp. The polyp is then burned or cut off the wall of your colon. Removed polyps are sent to a lab for tests. Pictures of your colon may be taken during the procedure. The scope will be removed when the procedure is done.
What will happen after my colonoscopy? - Rest after your procedure. You may feel bloated, have some gas and abdominal discomfort. You may need to lie on your right side with a heating pad on your abdomen. You may need to take short walks to help move the gas out. Eat small meals, if you feel bloated. Do not drive or make important decisions until the day after your procedure.
- You may have polyps removed. Do not take aspirin or go on long car trips for 7 days after your procedure. Ask your healthcare provider about any other limits after your procedure.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy? You may have pain or bleeding after the scope or polyps are removed. You may also have a slow heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, or increased sweating. Your colon may tear due to the increased pressure from the scope and other instruments. This may cause bowel contents to leak out of your colon and into your abdomen. If this happens, you will need to stay in the hospital and have surgery on your colon. |