What is a colonoscopy?
This diagnostic tool evaluates the entire colon.
Do I have to do anything special to prepare for the test?
1. Eat only a clear liquid diet for ALL meals the entire day
prior to the day of your colonoscopy. You may have clear juices, apple,
HiC, soda pop, Kool-Aid, broth, Jell-o, coffee, tea, or water.
DO NOT have MILK, TOMATO or ORANGE JUICE. NO RED LIQUIDS. NO RED
JELL-O.
2. Go-Lytely is the colon prep required for the procedure. This
is a very important part of the process. Follow the Go-Lytely mixing
instructions.
3. On the day preceding the test:
a. At 6:00 pm begin drinking Go-Lytely, 8oz glass every 10
minutes (ice may
be added). Drink rapidly rather than sipping.
b. Take
Phenergan 12.5mg tablet at this time.
c. Continue drinking the entire gallon jug. This takes
about 2 1/2 hours.
d. Bowel movements may occur one hour after the first
glass. This will continue
1-2 hours after finishing the gallon jug.
By now, the stool liquid should be
clear. No solids.
e. Feeling bloated or nausea is common after the first
few glasses. This is
temporary. Drink entire contents of jug.
Notify your physician if you are
unable to keep Go-Lytely down.
f. Continue to drink clear liquids after taking the prep to
keep hydrated.
g. After midnight, do NOT eat, drink, or take
any oral medications. Consult
your doctor if you take heart medication,
insulin, Ferrous Sulfate (iron),
Coumadin, Lovenox, Plavix, Aggrenox and/or
Aspirin.
Where and How is the procedure done?
The procedure will be performed at PMHC as on outpatient. The morning
of the procedure, go to the hospital and make sure you have someone
to drive you home. The nurse will start an IV and you will be given a
sedative. The doctor will insert a narrow flexible tube through the
rectum. The fiber optic scope illuminates the area, as it is passed
through the large intestine. Any abnormalities such as polyps,
diverticulitis, or tumors can be visualized. A small sample of tissue
can be taken for biopsy at this time, if the doctor feels it is needed.
Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level will be monitored
before, during and after the procedure.
Following the procedure, the doctor will discuss the results of the
colonoscopy and any treatments needed. You will be monitored until you
are recovered from the sedation and have met all the discharge criteria.
Call the clinic for a follow-up appointment 1 week after test for
results.
If you have any questions about the prep, clear liquid diet or the
procedure, contact your physician or the outpatient surgery nurses
995-2903.
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