What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to see inside your colon for any abnormalities. A colonoscope is a long flexible tube, with a light at the end, that is connected to a video monitor. After you are numbed, the tube will then be passed through your colon. While the camera passes through, your physician will look at the lining of your colon and rectum. Samples of tissue may be taken and/or polyps may be removed.
What are the benefits?
It is considered one of the most effective colon cancer screening and prevention exams. A colonoscopy has several benefits including observing and sampling the lining of the bowel for:
■ inflammation
■ cancer
■ infections
■ causes of bleeding
■ and the detection and removal of polyps (abnormal growths) which can become cancerous. The removal of polyps reduces the chance of cancer by 66%.
What are the risks?
A colonoscopy poses few risks. Rarely, complications may include:
■ There is a 1% chance of bleeding, which usually stops on its own a rarely leads to hospital admission. If polyps are removed, the risk of bleeding can increase to 5%.
■ There is a 1 in 1000 chance of a complication called perforation (hole in bowel), which could require surgery to fix.
■ There is a 1 in 1000 chance of severe reaction to the sedation medication and pneumonia.
Preparation
Prior to your procedure, it is important to tell your doctor of any blood thinners, iron medications, and diabetic medications that you are taking.
Before a colonoscopy, you’ll need to clean out your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam.
One week before your exam
■ Stop eating corn, popcorn nuts or seeds, including kiwi, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, poppy seeds, flax seeds and sesame seeds or taking fibre supplements such as Metamucil®.
■ Purchase a Peglyte Kit from your pharmacy.
■ Stop taking your iron medications.
The day before you exam
Only drink clear fluids and do not eat any solid food. Clear fluids include water, clear broth, clear tea and black coffee, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, Gatorade®, Powerade®, Kool-Aid®, ginger ale, 7-Up®, Sprite®, flavoured waters, popsicles and Jell-O. Do not drink red, purple or blue coloured fluids, milk, cream or milk substitutes.
1. At noon, mix one package of the laxative in 1L of water. You can put this in the fridge to make it taste better.
2. At 6 pm, drink one full glass rapidly every 15 minutes until the entire container is finished. If you sip small amounts, it will not work as well.
3. The first bowel movement may start an hour or so after you start drinking the preparation.
4. The first bowel movement may start an hour or so after you start drinking the preparation.
5. It should take about 2 hours to drink the 2 litres.
*If you feel nauseated, you may take Gravol®. It is available without a prescription, or you can try sucking on a popsicle, or licking a lemon or lime wedge. You will have many watery bowel movements and some cramping.
The day of your exam
1. 6 hours before your test, mix the third package of the laxative in 1L of water. You may have to get up very early, but it will give the best results.
2. Drink one full glass rapidly every 15 minutes until the entire container is finished.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the fourth package of the laxative.
4. Take your usual medications, especially your blood pressure and cardiac medications with a sip of water, except the ones your doctor told you not to take.
5. Only drink clear fluids do not eat any solid food.
6. Stop drinking all fluids 2 hours before your test. This includes no smoking, no candy or chewing gum.
■ Arrive 60 mins prior to your appointment time.
■ You must have a friend or family member drive you to and from the hospital. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after your exam. The medications you are receiving may leave a drowsy affect on your body.
■ Bring your health card, and one additional photo identification with you to your appointment.
■ Bring a full list of medications you are taking. This includes all prescription and non prescription medications.
■ Do not wear any jewellery.
■ Do not wear any perfume, cologne, or scented creams.
■ Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel your procedure appointment for any reason, our office requires 72 Hours notice.