What is a colonoscopy?
It is a diagnostic screening tool to evaluate 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. This includes clear juices, apple,
cranberry, grape, HiC, soda pop, Kool-Aid, broth, Jell-O, coffee, tea,
or water. DO NOT DRINK MILK. NO RED LIQUIDS. NO RED JELL-O.
2. At noon the day before the procedure, take four (4) Bisacodyl
tablets, and mix HalfLyte at this time and chill in refrigerator. Do not
add sugar or flavoring with sugar.
3. At 6:00 pm begin drinking HalfLyte, 8oz glass every 10 minutes
(ice may be added). Drink rapidly rather than sipping.
4. Take Phenergan 12.5mg tablet at this time.
5. Continue drinking until entire gallon jug is empty, about two
and a half hours. Drink entire contents of jug.
6. Bowel movements may occur one hour after the first glass. This
will continue 1-2 hours after finishing the gallon. By this time, the
stool liquid should be clear. Feeling of bloating or nausea is common
after the first few glasses. This is temporary.
7. After midnight, do not eat, drink, or take any oral
medications. Consult with your doctor if you take heart medication,
Ferrous Sulfate (iron), Coumadin, Lovenox, Insulin, Plavix, Aggrenox
and/or Aspirin.
8. The morning of the procedure, go to the hospital and make sure
you have someone to drive you home after.
How is the procedure done?
The nurse will insert an IV in your arm, 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.
The doctor will visit with you after the procedure to discuss treatment,
diet changes, and/or medication.
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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