| Colonoscopy and Prep | |
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Colonoscopy involves inspecting the colon to screen for cancer, polyps, or other abnormalities. A flexible scope with a tiny camera on it's tip is passed through the anus up through the colon. Colonoscopy is done with anesthesia that lets you be asleep during the procedure and usually have no memory of it afterward. Normally the procedure takes about a half hour, often more if polyps need to be removed or biopsies need to be done. As with all medical procedures there is risk of a complication. If the scope perforates the bowel, or if removing a polyp or performing a biopsy perforates the bowel it requires surgical exploration and repair in most cases. With polyp removal or biopsy, bleeding may occur that rarely requires intervention. If polyps are not removable at the time of colonoscopy or if these above complications occur, you may need surgery. If the scope cannot be passed through the entire colon you may need a barium enema xray to show the part of the colon not examined. Preparation
Your colon has to be evacuated and clean before a colonoscopy can be performed. First, do not eat anything with seeds beginning 3 days before the test. Start a "liquid only" diet the entire day before. Juices with no pulp, broth, and any liquid you can see through without red or orange dye is fine. Jello is OK if not red or orange. Take 4 tablets of bisacodyl (Dulcolax) at noon or at least by 5 P.M.. Start drinking the laxative (Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely, or other brand) after your first bowel movement or at 6 P. M. if no movements have begun. Drink 8 ounces every 20 minutes until you have drunk at least 64 ounces (1/2 gallon minimum). If your stools are not clear you need to continue to drink the laxative until they are. It may take the entire gallon for some people. You may drink water while taking the prep if need be. If you have problems with your prep call St. Luke Hospital at 620-382-2177. Do NOT drink or eat anything after midnight. Before that you can continue as much clear liquid as you desire. You may take a sip of water to take medication the morning of the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home after your test. Do not plan any driving activities or tasks requiring critical decisions for that day. (Alternate prep) If the usual preparation is not tolerated, an alternative is to take 2 bisacodyl tabs at 08:00 A.M. the day before the exam followed by a bottle of Magnesium Citrate at that time and a second bottle at 4:00 or 5:00 P.M. Drink as much as you desire during the day, but only completely clear liquids. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. |
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