Lower GI
Colonoscopy :: Polypectomy
Instructions for Colonoscopy
THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Buy PICOPREP and COLONLYTELY from your chemist. Ask for 2 sachets of each in a box.
If you take IRON tablets, you need to stop 7 days before your procedure.
THREE DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
You must NOT eat any food that contains nuts, whole grains, skins or seeds. Peeled fruit and Peeled vegetables are OK.
Food NOT to have includes: whole grain bread, cereals, onions, muesli bars, any nuts, strawberries, citrus fruit, grapes, tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, sultanas and raisins.
THE DAY BEFORE COLONOSCOPY
The day before colonoscopy you have to take bowel preparation to cleanse the colon. This consists of 2 sachets of Picoprep and 2 sachets of Colonlytely. This is to be purchased from the chemist and a prescription may be given to you., or you can buy them over the counter.
- On the day before your colonoscopy (the day you are undergoing your bowel preparation), you need to stay on clear fluids only. DO NOT CONSUME solid food. This is to eliminate any residue in the colon. The success of your examination depends on the bowel being as clear as possible; otherwise the examination may need to be repeated.
- Start your bowel preparation at 9.00 am on the day before the procedure: add the contents of one sachet of Picoprep to a glass of water (250 ml) and stir until effervescence ceases. Drink this slowly and completely over 20 minutes. Drink at least one glass of water or clear fluid every hour after you start the Picoprep to prevent dehydration (see below for approved clear fluids).
- At 12.00 pm add the content of the second sachet of Picoprep to a glass of water (250 ml) and stir until effervescence ceases. Drink this completely and follow the same procedure as the first sachet. Remeber to continue to drink clear fluids to keep hydrated.
- At 3.00 pm dissolve the content of one sachet of Colonlytely powder to one litre of water (this can be made up the night before and refrigerated if desired). Over the next hour, drink about one glassful (250 ml) of this mixture every 15 minutes. If you feel nauseous or bloated, slow down and drink about a glassful every 20 minutes until it has been completed. You may flavour this with lemon, lime or orange. Do NOT use red coloured flavouring.
- At 6.00 pm repeat the process with Colonolytely (ie step 4). Dissolve the content of one sachet of Colonlytely powder to one litre of water (this can be made up the night before and refrigerated if desired). Over the next hour, drink about one glassful (250 ml) of this mixture every 15 minutes. If you feel nauseous or bloated, slow down and drink about a glassful every 20 minutes until it has been completed. You may flavour this with lemon, lime or orange. Do NOT use red coloured flavouring.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR COLONOSCOPY
You have to fast (nothing to eat or DRINK) for 6 hours prior to your procedure.
Approved Clear Liquids:
- Water
- Clear fruit juices (without pulp)
- Jelly (no red or purple colours)
- Lucozade
- Bonox
- Clear Soups
- Broth or clear bouillon
- Clear fruit cordials (clear lemon or lime)
- Black tea or coffee (no milk)
After the colonoscopy it is normal to experience mild to moderate abdominal wind pains, as the gas from the colonoscopy is being expelled. You may need to be given pain killers in the recovery area for these pains. These pains are expected to settle within a few hours. If you experience excessive pain or if the abdominal pains persist or return after a few hours, particularly if associated with nausea, vomiting and or fever, you need to contact Dr. Iorgulescu immediately, as you may have developed a complication. This can be by contacting Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, Nowra Private Hospital, Shoahaven District Hospital Surgical Outpatients Clinic or Private Rooms.
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