Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure allows Gastroenterologist to examine entire colon. Small thin flexible tube with lighted video camera called a colonoscope enables Gastroenterologist to check from the rectum to the lower end of the small intestine by transmits pictures of the colon on a video stream. During the procedure, the Gastroenterologist is able to take tissue samples (Biopsies), specimen for further testing or remove polyps from bowel.
During procedure, the patient will get General Anesthesia. CDS will ensure you will go home safely by asking to arrange for someone to accompany you home after procedure.
You are recommended to have a Colonoscopy procedure if you have symptoms such as :
- Rectal Bleeding
- Frequent Diarrhea
- Change in Bowel Habits
- Abdominal Pain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Family History of Bowel Cancer
Special care is given to the patients taking Aspirin, Anti-Inflammatory Medication and Blood Thinning Medications as well as diabetic.
Polypectomy
A polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from the inside of the colon or gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, polys do not cause any symptom even larger ones are usually asymptomatic except for causing blood in the stools. Polys are usually non-cancerous soft tissue tumor but certain polys may develop into cancer if left untreated.
A polypectomy can be performed during a gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedure. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy is most effective way of detecting polys so that any polys found or suspected can be removed during the same procedure.
A gastroenterologist, a specialist who performs either gastroscopy or colonoscopy procedure, may snip off small polyp with a biopsy forceps or remove a larger polyp with a snare which burns through the base of the polyp. Removed ploys will be sent to pathology for further study and analysis.
Bowel Preparation
It is very important for your bowels to be clean and empty before your colonoscopy. A few days before your colonoscopy procedure you will need to purchase your bowel prep solution from any pharmacy.
You will need to buy 1 box of PICOSALAX. The box contains 2 sachets of bowel prep solution, which you will need to consume both.
- 7 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
1. Make sure you arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure. You must not drive or go home alone as you may still feel drowsy after the procedure.
2. If you are taking Aspirin, Anti-inflammatory medication and Iron supplements, please stop ONE WEEK BEFORE the procedure. Blood thinning medications such as WAFARIN or PLAVIX, need to be discussed with your doctor.
3. If you need to cancel your appointment for whatever reason, please ring the surgery at least one week before your appointment.
- 2 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
1. Drink at least 2 LITRES of WATER throughout the day.
2. FOOD not to be consumed: solid food, seeds, nuts, whole grains, brown bread, red meat, cereals, yellow cheese, and fruit & vegetables.
Food you can have: boiled/poached eggs, cottage cheese, low fat plain yoghurt, white bread, steamed white fish, boiled chicken, cooked and peeled pumpkin and potato.
- 1 DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
1. Start a CLEAR LIQUID DIET. This means that fluids that are not cloudy. A clear liquid diet may include: Apple, white grape juices, Tea or coffee without milk. Gatorade, Powerade (NOT red or purple), Ginger Ale.
2. Please AVOID: Juices with pulp, milk or milk products.
- ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE
1. Please DO NOT EAT or DRINK WATER at least 4 HOURS before procedure. Otherwise you may be postponed or cancelled.
2. Wear loose, comfortable clothing – something that is easy to put on/take off. Please AVOID applying lipstick, wearing nail polish and long acrylic nails. Please also DO NOT bring any valuables as we will not be responsible for any items missing.
3. Make sure to have SOMEONE to accompany you home. You will NOT be allowed to drive home yourself.
4. If you are taking any diabetic medications, DO NOT take them until after the procedure. You may want to bring those medications on the day so that you can take them right after the procedure.
5. Please let us know if you are allergic to any medications or if you have had any reactions to PROPOFOL or MIDAZOLAM.
- AFTER THE PROCEDURE
1. You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself after your colonoscopy for when you get home.
2. You MUST HAVE ANOTHER ADULT drive or take you home (even if you are to go home by taxi or bus), otherwise your colonoscopy may be cancelled.
3. Since you will be under sedation, you MUST NOT DRIVE or RIDE on a motorcycle, OPERATE machinery, MAKE major or legal decisions or USE public transport UNACCOMPANIED for the next 24 hours after the procedure.
4. You may experience bloating after the procedure due to air being used during the procedure. Burping, walking, lying on your left side, or passing flatus should help relieve this discomfort.