Colonoscopy Preparation

It is important you read this information before coming to the hospital for your colonoscopy.

Your surgeon will discuss your colonoscopy with you in the hospital, but it will be expected that you have read this information

What is a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the examination of the colon (large intestine) with a video or fibre optic colonoscope, a flexible and maneuverable black plastic tube with which your surgeon can examine the whole length colon. Biopsies (samples) may be taken through the colonoscope and polyps (precancerous growths) can be removed.

Preparing for your colonoscopy

It is vital you adhere to these instructions. If you fail to follow these carefully your examination may not be as accurate or may even become unsafe and have to be abandoned.

You should not take iron supplements for 7 days prior to the procedure. Your usual medication for other conditions particularly high blood pressure or heart problems should be taken as normal. It is vitally important that you advise your surgeon about any medications you are taking including prescription, non-prescription, herbal and recreational drugs.

The day before your examination ·

As soon as you .wake up the day prior to your procedure no solid foods or milk products are allowed. Drink only Approved Clear Fluids see list below:

Approved Clear Fluids:

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• Water
• Clear Salty fluids (e.g.: strained chicken noodle soup, clear broth/bonox/stock cubes).
• Clear Fruit Juices (apple/lemon)
• Plain Jelly:(yellow or orange)
• Black tea or coffee (no milk)
• Sports drinks (yellow or orange),
• Gastrolyte, cordials (lemon/lime/orange).
• Barley sugar may also be sucked if required

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• No red, purple, blue or green food colourings

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Preparation of Pico Prep/Picosalax Solution

Dissolve the contents of one sachet of Pico Prep/Picosalax in one full glass (approximately 250mls) of warm water. This may be chilled in a refrigerator prior to use if you prefer.

1. Commencing at approximately 1 pm drink one sachet of Pico Prep/Picosalax followed by a glass of water. Continue drinking Approved Clear Fluids, at least a glass per hour, the more the better to ensure adequate body hydration.
2. At approximately 5 pm, repeat the above with the second sachet.

The day of your examination ·

At 6 am on the morning of your procedure drink the 3rd sachet of Pico Prep/Picosalax. Continue drinking WATER until 3 hours prior to your admission time. THEN NIL BY MOUTH

You may have WATER until 3 hours prior to your admission time.

THEN NIL BY MOUTH

If you are diabetic you should contact your General Practitioner/Diabetic Educator for Medication/Insulin dosage adjustments.

Sedation

Colonoscopy can be uncomfortable or painful and for this is done under sedation. Sedation will be given

to relieve discomfort during the procedure. Most people do not remember the procedure.

Risks

The main particular risk of colonoscopy is making a hole in the colon. This is a rare complication (less than one in two thousand) but if it does occur it is very likely a major operation will be required to repair the hole. Bleeding is another rare risk but is less likely to require an operation.

After Colonoscopy

You will need to be observed in the day ward until the nursing staff are happy you have recovered enough from

the sedation to safely leave. You must go home in1th.e care of a competent adult. You must not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions until the next day. After going home you should have a bit of wind pain at the most. If you have anything more than this or other problems such as bleeding you should contact your surgeon immediately or come into the hospital to be checked.

Colonoscopy Findings

The findings at colonoscopy will be discussed in detail at a follow-up appointment with either your referring doctor or your surgeon. Some preliminary results may be available prior to discharge from the hospital.