Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a commonly performed procedure used to examine the colon. A colonoscope is a long flexible fibre-optic instrument with a small lens on its tip. It is passed through the anus and guided around the colon. Any abnormalities may be biopsied or removed. The procedure is performed in a day surgery unit under sedation or anaesthesia. On the day prior to colonoscopy the bowel must be prepared so it is necessary to have a clear liquid diet and to drink a laxative solution. You will not be able to drive home after the procedure.

Colonoscopy is associated with small risks including adverse reactions to the preparation, such as dizziness or fainting and complications relating to the anaesthetic or medications used for sedation.

If polyps are removed or biopsies are taken there is a small chance of bleeding which can occur 1-2 weeks after the procedure. The most serious risk is perforation of the colon. This requires hospitalisation, antibiotic treatment and possible major bowel surgery.

Patients with a family history of bowel cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or polyps, may require regular screening with colonoscopy. Any patient with symptoms such as a persisting alteration in bowel function or rectal bleeding should be seen by a doctor to assess the need for colonoscopy.

New government regulations pertaining to eligibility for screening colonoscopy were introuduced in late 2019. You may be asked to provide specific details about your family history of bowel cancer or your personal history of polyps in order to determine your eligibility for a screening colonoscopy.

Virtual Colonoscopy

This can be an alternative to colonoscopy in some situations. A CT scan is performed after bowel cleansing and insufflation of air into the colon through the anus. Abnormal findings need to be investigated further with conventional colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Preparation

Preparation and Instruction for Colonoscopy Morning procedures

PrepKit Orange Morning Procedure

PREPARATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY

You will need to purchase from your chemist *** Prepkit Orange ***

3 days prior to Colonoscopy have a low residue diet i.e. DO NOT consume pulp, seeds, nuts, grains or vegetables or fruit skins. See attached low residue meal plan

If you are taking, IRON tablets, please OMIT them ONE WEEK prior to your procedure.

Other medications should be taken as usual with A SIP OF WATER in the early morning on the day of your procedure. If you are taking medications for diabetes or are taking any blood thinners, you will need to check with your GP or specialist for instructions on taking these medications prior to and after your procedure

On the day PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE, from the time you awake, drink CLEAR FLUIDS ONLY. NO SOLID FOOD IS ALLOWED

Clear liquid means you should be able to see your fingers through the glass.

These must be a variety of Sweet & Savoury drinks eg.

Water. Black Tea. Black Coffee. Cordial – Orange or Lemon. Fruit Juice – pulp free

orange or clear apple. Clear Soup: eg strained chicken noodle soup, consume soup. Yellow or orange flavoured jelly. Sports Drinks eg Gatorade, Lucozade, Powerade. Beef tea eg Bovril, Bonox. Stock cubes in hot water.

NOTHING RED, GREEN, PURPLE OR BLUE IN COLOUR AND NO PULP IN JUICE

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Day prior to procedure

Take the three (3) sachets at the following times

Between 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm

PICOPREP 1 sachet in 250ml warm water – cool in fridge then drink.

Between 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm

PICOPREP 1 sachet in 250ml warm water – cool in fridge then drink.

Between 9.00 pm – 10.00 p.m

PICOPREP 1 sachet in 250ml warm water – cool in fridge then drink.

AFTER EACH SACHET - DRINK ANOTHER THREE TO FOUR GLASSES OF WATER or ANY CLEAR FLUID OF YOUR CHOICE……..slowly over the next little while.

Stop all fluid intake FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO ADMISSION.

From this time you should be nil by mouth. No food or drink of any kind.

Lanolin or similar cream applied to the anal area before beginning your bowel preparation may help to avoid soreness.

PREPKIT ORANGE PRODUCES A WATERY STOOL AND CLEANSES THE BOWEL PRIOR TO EXAMINATION. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN THE BOWEL OUT PROPERLY OR IT WILL RESULT IN A SUBOPTIMAL PROCEDURE BEING PERFORMED.

Preparation and Instruction for Colonoscopy Afternoon procedures

PrepKit Orange Afternoon Procedure

PREPARATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY

You will need to purchase from your chemist *** Prepkit Orange ***

3 days prior to Colonoscopy have a low residue diet i.e. DO NOT consume pulp, seeds, nuts, grains or vegetables or fruit skins. See attached low residue meal plan

If you are taking, IRON tablets, please OMIT them ONE WEEK prior to your procedure.

On the day PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE, from the time you awake, drink CLEAR FLUIDS ONLY. NO SOLID FOOD IS ALLOWED

Clear liquid means you should be able to see your fingers through the glass.

These must be a variety of Sweet & Savoury drinks eg.

Water. Black Tea. Black Coffee. Cordial – Orange or Lemon. Fruit Juice – pulp free

NOTHING RED, GREEN, PURPLE OR BLUE IN COLOUR AND NO PULP IN JUICE

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

Day prior to procedure

Take the three (3) sachets at the following times:

Between 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm

PICOPREP 1 sachet in 250ml warm water – cool in fridge then drink.

Between 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm

GLYCOPREP Dissolve in I Litre water and drink 1 glass every 15mins.

Day of procedure

PICOPREP 1 sachet in 250ml warm water – cool in fridge then drink.

AFTER EACH SACHET - DRINK ANOTHER THREE TO FOUR GLASSES OF WATER or ANY CLEAR FLUID OF YOUR CHOICE……..slowly over the next little while.

Stop all fluid intake FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO ADMISSION.

From this time you should be nil by mouth. No food or drink of any kind.

Lanolin or similar cream applied to the anal area before beginning your bowel preparation may help to avoid soreness.

PREPKIT ORANGE PRODUCES A WATERY STOOL AND CLEANSES THE BOWEL PRIOR TO EXAMINATION. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN THE BOWEL OUT PROPERLY OR IT WILL INHIBIT THE RESULTS OF YOUR PROCEDURE.