An appointment has been arranged for you to have a COLONOSCOPY performed. This is an examination of your large bowel using a fine flexible instrument.  You will be given a sedative injection, which will make you feel drowsy and relaxed. It will be necessary to remove any dentures before the examination.

When the sedative is working, the endoscope, a flexible tube about the size of a pencil, will be placed down below.

During the examination, biopsies, a small sample of tissue, may be taken – this is completely painless and safe. If necessary, some conditions may be treated through the endoscope.

It will only take a 15-30minutes for a thorough examination to be completed, then the instrument will be removed, and you will be taken to the recovery area to rest until the sedative wears off. When you have recovered, the results will be discussed with you before you leave.

IT IS ESSENTIAL YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO TAKE YOU HOME IF YOU ARE GIVEN A SEDATIVE – you must not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.

RISKS AND BENEFITS

Colonoscopy is the most reliable and accurate way to investigate the colon and obtain biopsies, and the risks are extremely low. The sedatives used are effective in low dose and side-effects are very rare. Damage to or perforation of the large bowel is extremely rare. Once completed, the sedative and anaesthetic wear off quickly without lasting effects. You may feel a slight sore abdomen for a few hours only due to the presence of air within the large bowel introduced during the procedure. That air is either absorbed by the bowel into your circulation or expelled through your rear end naturally. Our colonoscopist will also extract as much as air as possible from your gut as the scope is withdrawn with a balance achieved between having a good look and minimizing post-scope discomfort.

The risks of perforation are a little higher if dilatation or endoscopic treatments are required, but these procedures are still extremely safe. If you have serious disease of your heart, lungs etc, or have diabetes requiring Insulin or tablet treatment, please contact us as well to discuss any special requirements for the examination.

If you have any questions or concerns you wish to discuss before endoscopy, please telephone 9044 4200 for an appointment to discuss the procedure with me in my rooms.

On Day before Procedure, Drink only ‘CLEAR LIQUIDS’ for breakfast , lunch & dinner.

Clear Liquids are:

• Strained fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape, orange)
• Clear broth or Bonox
• Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
• Plain jelly (without added fruits or toppings)
• Clear ice blocks

AVOID RED, BLUE OR PURPLE COLOURING

********* IMPORTANT: NIL BY MOUTH 6 hours prior to your admission ***********

• Advise staff immediately if you suffer any kidney issues as bowel prep will need to be modified accordingly
• If you take diabetic or blood thinning medication (eg Warfarin or Plavix) please let your doctor know as it will need to be modified prior to your procedure.
• Do not take oral medications 1 hour either side of drinking bowel prep. After this time they can be taken with a sip of water.
• Oral contraceptives may not be effective after bowel preparation, taking extra precautions for the rest of the month is advised.
• Prepare and chill bowel prep an hour before drinking.
• Individual responses to bowel prep vary. It often works within 30 minutes, but may take as long as 3 hours.
• Avoid foods that contain nuts, whole grains, skins (eg fruit skins apple kiwis etc ) and seeds or fibre for 3 days prior to your procedure

Dinner NOT allowed