Colonoscopy, an examination of the colon (large intestine) with a lighted flexible scope. During the colonoscopy, if an abnormality is seen, it is usually biopsied at that time. This involves removing a portion or all of the abnormal area for processing and subsequent examination under a microscope.
The key to accurate diagnosis of your problem is proper preparation. The bowel needs to be flushed completely free of waste material that might hide an abnormality. The thoroughness of this cleaning DEPENDS ON YOU. Without your cooperation, the examination cannot accomplish its purpose and may have to be repeated.
Other Medications: Take your usual prescription medications (except iron or blood thinners as noted below). If you have a history of a heart valve or valve surgery or need antibiotics before surgery, please notify us.
Blood Thinners: If you are taking blood thinners,(Warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix) please contact our office and your primary physician for specific instructions at least one week prior to the colonoscopy. ONLY STOP THESE MEDICATIONS IF YOU HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED BY OUR DOCTOR OR YOUR CARDIOLOGIST. Aspirin is usually stopped one week before the colonoscopy.
One day prior to your colonoscopy:
- Start a Clear Liquid Diet when you get up and continue all day.
- Clear Liquid Diet:
Soups: Clear bouillon, chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef broth, or consommé.
Beverages: Tea, coffee, Kool-Aid, carbonated beverages, Gatorade. You may add sugar to coffee and tea but not milk or creamer (non-dairy creamers are okay).
Juices: Cranberry, apple, grape, strained lemonade, limeade, and orange drink. Any juice that you can see through and has no pulp is acceptable.
Dessert: Italian ices, popsicles, Jell-O and hard candy.
Do not drink RED colored beverages or eat RED Jell-O.
No solid food of any kind.
Throughout the day, make sure to drink at least eight glasses (two quarts) or more of fluids such as Gatorade, or a similar product, preferably not just plain water.
Diabetic Patients: Diabetic patients: If you take insulin please take one in the morning the day before but not at night or the morning of the procedure. If the patient is taking Metformin take it the day before the procedure but not the morning of the procedure.
3:00 pm Drink the first bottle
9:00 pm Drink the second bottle
STOP DRINKING LIQUIDS 4 HOURS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL TIME FOR PROCEDURE
Diabetic Patients: If you taking any insulin please take the one in the morning but not at night time or the morning of the procedure. If the patient is taking Metformin please take only the day before but not the morning of the procedure.
TRANSPORTATION
Due to possible lingering effects from the sedation you cannot drive for the remainder of the day following your procedure, and therefore, you must have a ride home. For your own safety, you will not be discharged from the Endoscopy Center unless a responsible adult, over the age of 18, is present to either drive you home or accompany you in a taxi or public transportation
Please call 407-384-7388 if you have any questions