Instructions for Colonoscopy

The day before colonoscopy you are required to undertake bowel preparation to cleanse the colon. This consists of 2 sachets of Picolax and 2 sachets of Colonlytely. This is to be purchased from the chemist and a prescription will be given to you.

1. 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.
   
   
2. Start your bowel preparation at 9.00 am on the day before the procedure: add the contents of one sachet of Picolax to a glass of water (250 ml) and stir until effervescence ceases. Drink this completely. This must be followed by one litre of water or approved clear fluids (see below).
   
   
3. At 12.00 pm add the content of the second sachet of Picolax to a glass of water (250 ml) and stir until effervescence ceases. Drink this completely, followed by one litre of water or approved clear fluids (see below).
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. At 6.00 pm repeat the process with Colonolytely (ie step 3). 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.
   
   
6. On the day of the procedure, you have to fast (nothing to eat or DRINK) for 6 hours prior to your procedure.

Approved Clear Liquids:

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 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 the rooms on 8210 9440 (an afterhours emergency phone number will be available for medical emergencies only).

Dr. Dragos G. Iorgulescu
Consultant Surgeon