Colonoscopy

A: A colonoscopy is an invasive but very safe procedure that is usually done under sedation for the patient's comfort.

A: Yes, a colonoscopy is undertaken as a day procedure in the hospital. Patients usually recover from the sedation within 30 – 60 minutes of the procedure and can go home on the same day.

A: The procedure usually lasts between 20 – 30 minutes. You will stay in a recovery room for observation until you are ready for discharge.

A: Yes, a colonoscopy is the recognised standard to help doctors:

• Detect changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum
• Screen for colon cancer

A: Yes, you can choose to do your colonoscopy without anaesthesia. Most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure.

Sedation-free colonoscopy is quicker and more efficient, as there is no wait time for a sedative to kick in. Other benefits include:

• Lack of side effects from the medicine given
• An ability to resume normal activities almost immediately after the procedure

A: Before you undergo a colonoscopy, your bowels need to be empty and clean.

Several days before the procedure, you may be asked to go on a low-fibre diet, which means no grains, nuts, seeds or fruits and vegetables.

A: ### 2 – 4 days before your colonoscopy

You should consume a low fibre diet to keep your bowels clean and empty. You can eat:

• White bread, pasta, or rice
• Fruits and vegetables without skin or seeds
• Lean meat, chicken, fish or eggs

Avoid food that is difficult to digest, such as:

• Whole grains
• Raw vegetables and fruit with skin or seeds
• Corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans, or peas
• Fatty food or tough meat
• Seeds, nuts, or popcorn

1 day before your colonoscopy

On the day before your colonoscopy:

• You should not eat anything solid. You should only consume clear liquids, such as sports drinks, clear juice or broth.
• You may drink coffee and tea as long as you do not add any cream. Avoid alcohol and opaque drinks such as milk or orange juice.
• You will need to fast for at least 8 hours before the procedure, although sips of water will generally be allowed. For a morning procedure, fasting from midnight is usually sufficient.

As laxatives are necessary to ensure a clean colon, your doctor will prescribe specific laxatives and a schedule for taking these.

A: Yes, you may drink clear liquids such as coffee or tea before a colonoscopy. Other examples of clear liquids include water, broth, pulp-free juice, clear soft drinks or sports drinks and popsicles.

A: As preparations for a colonoscopy are dehydrating, putting fluids and electrolytes back into your system is vital.

You may be advised to:

• Drink lots of fluid
• Eat soft, easily digestible foods which will not irritate your colon

A: Consult your doctor well ahead of your colonoscopy about any regularly prescribed medications, such as allergy medicine.

Your doctor will decide which ones should be stopped before your procedure.

A: A colonoscopy should not adversely affect your hernias, but do consult with your doctor before your procedure.

A: Complications related to colonoscopies (such as bowel perforation) are rare, but they are more common in the elderly. The prep alone can take a toll on older individuals, especially if they are already frail or ill.

Do consult with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of undergoing a colonoscopy.