Colonoscopy Patient Instructions
What is a Colonoscopy?
A flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the rectum into the lower intestinal tract. This procedure allows the physician to examine the lining of the rectum and the large intestine (colon) and to identify abnormalities.
Preparation for the Exam
Nothing by mouth after midnight of the evening before the procedure. Bowel preparation may include laxatives-suppositories, or an enema. Lab work may be necessary. Medications such as Coumadin and aspirin must be discontinued prior to procedure, (usually 7-10 days). Please arrive in the Outpatient Services Department 90 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time. Colonoscopy takes 30 minutes to one hour to complete, and one hour of recovery time is also necessary. Please make arrangements to be driven home, as you may still feel sleepy for several hours.
The Examination
A needle for intravenous (IV) medication will be placed in your arm vein before the procedure. Medicine will be injected through this needle that will make you sleepy and relaxed. As you lie on your left side, the doctor will examine your rectum with a gloved lubricated finger. Then he will insert the lubricated flexible colonoscope that will give you a mild sensation of wanting to move your bowels. As the colonoscope is carefully advanced through the colon, the doctor will examine the bowel lining thoroughly. You may feel some cramping or gas due to the air that the doctor is putting into the colon. You may be asked to change positions during the procedure to assist in passage of the colonoscope. Occasionally fluoroscopy (x-ray) is used for short periods of time.
Often a biopsy specimen (tiny bit of tissue) is taken for microscopic examination. If you have a polyp, it may be removed by electrocautery through the colonoscope. You will not feel any sensation or discomfort when the biopsy is performed or the polyp is removed. Many people do not recall any of the procedure because of the effect of the medication. After the procedure, you will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You may feel some bloating from the air inserted during the procedure. You will feel more comfortable if you expel the air. There is no pain, however, patients must release air to relieve bloating.
After the Examination
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The GI nurse or technician will give you written instructions to follow when you get home.
