Colonoscopy

​Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that helps in detecting any abnormalities in the digestive system such as bleeding, pain or diarrhea. It is also a treating procedure to help stop any bleeding in the intestine.   

• Do not eat full or fatty meals; just stick to light meals like vegetables in the first three days before the exam.
• Stick to lots of fluids on the day prior to the exam (juice- water – soup). 
• The doctor will often prescribe four packets of special salt. Each packet is to be dissolved in a liter of water and the patient is supposed to drink four liters of this solution within four hours (usually from 4:00PM until 8:00PM). This causes diarrhea that cleans the large intestine.
• Abstain from food and drink for at least eight hours.
• The medical team would want to know if you suffer any symptoms in the lungs or heart or have any other medical condition that might require careful attention both before and after the colonoscopy.
• Bring all your current medications especially those for the heart, blood pressure and diabetes. Patient must take heart and blood pressure medicine in the morning but not the diabetes medication because patient will be fasting.
• Kindly inform your doctor of your medications, especially aspirin or NSAIDs (blood thinners).  
• Inform your doctor of any medication allergy you have or if you have an allergic reaction to some medications especially antibiotics or pain medicine.
• Other means of transportation must be provided because patient is not permitted to drive post-colonoscopy (if given sleep inducing medicine).  
• Do not bring valuables to the hospital.

Second – in the Endoscopy Unit:

• Kindly get to the unit on time.
• In case you are given a sleep inducing medication, please inform the unit staff of the person accompanying you home.
• You will be asked to sign a special form that indicates your consent and understanding of the colonoscopy procedure.
• You will then be provided with special garments and assigned a bed until it is time for the colonoscopy.
• A nurse might place a needle in one of your veins to use when needed (e.g. administer sedative).
• An enema will be administered to ensure proper preparation of the intestine.

Third – What to expect during and after the colonoscopy?

• You will be moved to the endoscopy room.
• The doctor might inject you with a sedative prior to the colonoscopy.
• In case you are asleep (after sedative) you will be required to stay in the unit no less than an hour until you are fully aware.
• You must not drive or operate heavy machinery or make important decisions on that day, rest at home is preferable.
• The doctor will insert the scope through the anus to perform an examination of the large intestine as a whole. You might feel discomfort in the intestines due to the air pressure that aids the progress of scope. You might also feel bloated due to the gas and the abdominal cramps, however, this discomfort is very mild or at times none existent.
• The examination can take from 20 to 40 minutes.
• You will remain under observation from an hour to two.
• You have to visit the emergency department immediately if you have acute pain in the abdomen, severe vomiting or there is a lot of blood in the stool.
• You will find the information about when to eat and drink as well as other information through checking with the unit.  

Fourth – Complications:

Kindly discuss all possible complication with your doctor before signing your consent to the colonoscopy procedure. 

You can call for more information:

2520088 - Ext#2221 or 2223