Colonoscopy is a key procedure for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. With proper preparation, the patient’s colon is thoroughly cleaned, which allows for clear visualisation and accurate examination during the screening procedure.
Before we start discussing the actual day-by-day guide, it is vital to note that this guide is meant to be informational and give you a better idea of what to expect; however, you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
While preparing for a colonoscopy, you may be asked to stop certain medications. Here are some general guidelines:
- Medications to continue: Hypertensive/thyroid medicine
- Medications to discontinue: Blood thinning medicine, iron tablets, and medication for diabetes on the day of the procedure
In the days leading up to surgery (typically three to five days), you may need to adjust your diet. In general, you should refrain from taking the following:
Colonoscopy serves two major purposes:
- Fibre-rich Foods (Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains)
- Red Meats (Beef and Mutton, etc.)
- Dairy Products (Milk and Cheese, etc.)
Instead, you may opt for light, easily digestible food such as:
- Lean Proteins (Lean Meat, Fish or Eggs)
- Carbohydrates (White Bread, White Rice, or Porridge)
Water should be your primary source of hydration throughout the preparation. Aim for eight glasses or more throughout the day. You may also consume other clear liquids like clear soup, honey, isotonic drinks, or coffee/tea (without milk or cream).
On the day before the colonoscopy, the doctor’s instructions will be more specific. Here are some common guidelines given to patients:
- Morning Routine: Take a clear liquid breakfast. This may include clear broth, black coffee/tea, or clear juice.
- Taking the Colonoscopy Prep Kit: This is normally the time you take the colonoscopy prep kit. A colonoscopy prep or bowel prep kit is an oral laxative formula that you will take before your colonoscopy. The exact process will vary based on the solution prescribed by your doctor. Throughout the prep, you should keep sipping on clear liquids to stay hydrated.
It is important that you finish this preparation as instructed to ensure a clean bowel before the procedure. Incomplete bowel preparation may necessitate repeating the preparation process and potentially rescheduling the colonoscopy.
On the day of the procedure itself, you will need to do some final preparations. Around four (4) hours before the procedure, you should stop drinking all liquids, even the clear ones.
During the Colonoscopy Procedure
Once you are settled in the procedure room, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into your arm to administer a sedative medication. This medication will help you relax and feel comfortable during the colonoscopy. The doctor will then gently insert a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
Colonoscopy patients will be discharged on the same day. To facilitate a safe recovery, it is crucial to arrange for a designated trusted family member or friend to accompany the patient home. Due to the potential for drowsiness caused by sedation, driving is strictly inadvisable.
Following discharge, the patient may experience mild bloating and discomfort. These effects are expected to subside naturally within a few days. However, in the event of severe pain, significant bleeding, or persistent vomiting, immediate medical attention is necessary.
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