How To Prepare For A Colonoscopy

Plan Ahead to Avoid Problems in Colonoscopy Procedure Hospital Stay

Sep 13, 2009
Sharon Ketelaar

Colonoscopy - An Invaluable Diagnostic Procedure - pedrojperez,morgueFile.com

How to be organised for a colonoscopy procedure and achieve the best results. Use forward planning and knowledge of bowel prep for confident colonoscopy preparation.

Planning ahead for a colonoscopy can help make the procedure successful and the hospital visit run smoothly. Review the doctor and hospital instructions at least one week prior to the colonoscopy and follow these simple guidelines to be well prepared for this important diagnostic procedure.

One Week Before Colonoscopy Procedure

Read through any instructions given by the doctor or the hospital and note any diet modifications that need to be adhered to in preparation for colonoscopy.
The doctor may ask the patient to stop taking blood-thinning medications several days prior to the colonoscopy to reduce bleeding if biopsy samples need to be taken or polyps removed. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. Write down the day to take the last dose of these medications.
Plan the journey to hospital by car or public transport, estimating the duration of the trip and allowing for traffic and parking. Patients should not drive themselves to hospital as they will not be able to drive home - even after mild sedation driving capabilities will be impaired by the effects of the drugs and driving in this condition is dangerous and illegal.
The essential component of preparation for colonoscopy is to clean out the bowel completely so the doctor can visualise the walls of the bowel and advance the colonoscope without obstruction. Doctors will have their own preferences in bowel prep but, in general, bowel cleansing may be achieved by modifying the diet and drinking several glasses, or up to 2 litres, of a bowel prep solution and possibly laxative tablets as well. The patient may need to purchase a particular bowel prep solution from the pharmacy if not provided by the doctor. Be sure to buy this as soon as possible so there are no last minute problems in sourcing the correct bowel prep.

Two Days Before Colonoscopy Procedure

Re-read the patient information given by the hospital or doctor to check, in particular, when solid food can no longer be consumed and the clear fluid diet commences.
Patients should check the time to start the bowel prep solution (usually the day before colonoscopy) and plan their day so that they will be home with ready access to the toilet. Patients should avoid accepting social engagements for that evening as the response to the prep usually involves urgent frequent trips to the toilet.
If the colonoscopy was arranged in response to a scan or X-ray result, have those films ready to take to hospital.
Write a list of any allergies to medications, foods or medical equipment and dressings.
Write a list of the medications the patient currently takes in case clarification is needed.
Write a list of phone numbers of friends and relatives, even if arrangements have already been made with someone for patient collection after the colonoscopy. If unexpected circumstances arise for the escort or the discharge is delayed, another contact may be needed. The effects of sedation might make it difficult to recall phone numbers immediately after the procedure.

One Day Before Colonoscopy Procedure

Check the hospital name and address.
Double check the allocated arrival time.
Confirm travel arrangements and time with the person taking the patient to hospital, or book taxi.
Follow the plan as given for altering diet to clear fluids only.
Begin following the bowel prep regime at the time stated in the instructions. The prep solution may be more palatable to drink if put in the refrigerator to chill down. Don't be tempted to cheat on the amount of prep ordered by the doctor as if the bowel is not adequately prepared the procedure is futile.
Check the instructions for the time to start fasting. It is common to fast from midnight for morning colonoscopies and for the afternoon colonoscopy list, to fast from a specific time after clear fluids only at breakfast time. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything at all. This includes bubblegum, throat lozenges, cough syrups and sweets that dissolve in the mouth.
Remove any nail polish from fingernails and toenails.
Make sure to have adequate water to drink in the evening as patients will not be able to drink once they start fasting.
Get to sleep early to be well rested and refreshed before the procedure, however be aware that sleep may be disrupted by the bowel prep causing frequent bowel movements.
Take note of the response to the bowel prep solution and inform the nursing staff at the hospital if, by procedure day, the output is anything other than a clearish watery fluid.