The following information aims to assist you in preparing you for your colonoscopy procedure, providing helpful hints for your bowel preparation, explaining what to expect when you go home and when to seek medical help.
Preparation
For a successful colonoscopy it is important the bowel is completely empty. An empty bowel means the doctor is more likely to see the lining of the bowel and detect any problems. Poor preparation may mean the procedure will need to be repeated on another day.
Carer
It is important to arrange to have a ‘carer’ to care for you when you leave hospital. Every patient who has a procedure performed under sedation or general anaesthetic and is leaving hospital within the same day as their procedure needs to be handed over to a carer (over 18 years of age). This person will be responsible for your wellbeing and recovery for up to 24 hours depending on the type of anaesthesia received.
Work arrangements
It is important that you re-arrange your normal activities and take time off for:
- the day of the procedure
- the day after your procedure (if instructed).
A medical certificate will be provided on discharge for yourself and the person responsible for picking you up from hospital and caring for you at home.
Medications and your procedure
Some medications must be stopped prior to your procedure. These instructions will be given by your doctor and listed on your bowel preparation instructions. Ensure you check and follow these instructions.
Being prepared
You will need to start the low fibre diet prior to your colonoscopy.
This reduces the fibre in your bowel, which makes it easier when you start the two day bowel cleansing regime.
Refer to the diet plan for items you can and cannot eat, as well as the below instructions:
- you may eat barley sugar or butterscotch lollies (to use between prep drinks)
- you may like to apply protective cream, e.g. Lanoline or Vaseline (to apply around your anal area to reduce irritation)
- you may choose to use moist toilet wipes (may also soothe the area after using toilet paper).
During your diet and bowel preparation regime
It is important to follow the diet and bowel preparation instructions that have been provided to you. For successful colonoscopy it is very important that the bowel is cleaned well. This will enable the doctor to clearly see the lining of the bowel.
Poor preparation may mean that the procedure will be stopped and you will have to repeat the preparations and procedure another day.
Failure to have a bowel motion
People vary in the time it takes to have a bowel motion after commencing the bowel preparation. To help relieve any concerns about your progress the following information will help guide you.
Helpful hint and tips
- If you become ill or have severe pain seek medical advice from your general practitioner or nearest Emergency Department.
- Hydration is essential for effective colonoscopy prep.
- Drink the solution through a straw.
- Add diet lemon cordial to the preparation mixture.
- Keep warm.
- Some people find that drinking the solution very quickly and then using a “chaser” such as apple juice helps the prep go down easier.
- If you feel nauseated while taking the preparation, stop for half an hour. Have a hot drink and walk around. Resume drinking the solution more slowly.
- If you have haemorrhoids (piles) use your haemorrhoid cream to reduce discomfort.
- Stay near a bathroom.
- If you feel bloated, try walking around. Suck some peppermints or drink peppermint tea.
Day before your procedure:
If you have not had a bowel motion and you are not experiencing pain or vomiting,continue drinking.
Severe pain and vomiting
If you have severe pain or vomiting, or you are unwell and concerned about your health, it is wise to attend your nearest emergency department or phone an ambulance on 000 in order to be assessed by medical staff.
Clear fluids
YES | NO |
Water | Solid foods |
Black Tea or Coffee | Milk drinks |
Herbal tea (cannot be red/purple/blue/green) | Tea or coffee with milk |
Clear broth | Fluids that have sediment or floating solids |
Strained apple juice | Cloudy apple juice or juice with pulp |
Soda water | Brightly coloured liquids |
Ginger beer/ale | Bubble tea |
Lemonade | Alcohol of any kind |
Lemon/orange cordial |
|
Yellow or orange sports drinks/electrolyte drinks |
|
The low fibre diet
Please plan your meals from the foods to choose lists below. If you do not see foods you eat in the “YES” column please do not eat it.
| Food group | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Breads and cereals | Plain white bread, toast or rolls | Wholemeal, wholegrain or multigrain breads or muffins |
| Fruit and vegetables | Potato | All other fruits and vegetables, including salad vegetables |
| Dairy products | Milk | Dairy products with fruit nuts and seeds |
| Meat and Protein foods | Beef | Baked beans |
| Beverages | Water | Red, purple and green coloured drinks |
| Other | Plain lollies | Jams with skin and seeds |
On the day of your colonoscopy
If you are scheduled to arrive at hospital before 7.30 am and you have not had a bowel motion or your bowel motions are not clear, go to the hospital as planned and at the admission desk ask to speak with a nurse as soon as possible regarding concerns about your bowel preparation.
If you are scheduled to arrive at hospital after 7.30 am and you have not had a bowel motion or your bowel motions are not clear, please phone 07 3163 1630 and speak to the endoscopy unit nurse who will provide you with further instructions.
For your safety and comfort
- Wear loose comfortable clothing.
- Do not drive yourself home.
- Must have an escort home by a friend or relative.
- Must have someone with you for the remainder of the day as well as overnight.
Bring a plastic bag to store your clothing during your hospital stay.
Bring your Medicare, Pension or Healthcare cards if you have them.
Important
- Stop smoking at least 24 hours before your procedure.
- Do not drink any alcohol (including beer) for 24 hours prior to your procedure.
- Follow any medication plan instructed by the doctor or nurse during your consultation and advise the department of any medication changes.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, jewellery or perfumes.
- Do not bring valuables or large sums of money with you. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for these items.
Post procedure
Planning for going home after the procedure
Before you go home, a nurse will speak with you and your carer about what to expect. You will be given a copy of your procedure report and discharge instructions. A copy of this report will be sent to your GP. Your procedure and results are to be discussed at a follow up appointment with your GP (allow seven days for pathology reports to be available). You may receive a phone call or if you are required to attend the hospital outpatient department for follow up, an appointment letter will be sent to you.
Important information for after your procedure
After you leave the hospital, if you have any non-urgent concerns please speak with your GP or contact the procedure department directly.
If you or your carer notice any of the following please present to your nearest Emergency Department or phone an ambulance on 000:
- persistent bleeding from bowels or black tarry bowel motions
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- rapid heart beat, dizziness
- increasing drowsiness, including difficulty rousing from sleep
- increasing persistent pain unrelieved by medication
- inability to keep fluids down
- high fever
- have any other concerns where you feel you need medical assistance.
Any questions?
If you have any questions before your procedure contact the pre-admission department on 07 3163 3000 (Monday to Friday between 8 am – 4.30 pm).
Preparation concerns
If you feel your bowel motion is not clear enough please contact the Endoscopy Unit on 07 3163 1630.
Cancellations
If you haven’t started your bowel preparation and wish to cancel your procedure please contact the Endoscopy bookings office on 07 3163 8444 (Monday to Friday between 9 am – 4 pm).