Preparation for Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure that gives your physician information regarding the lower part of your gastrointestinal tract. The Colonoscope is inserted into the anus and advanced through to the end of the colon (the Cecum) and possibly a short distance into the small intestine. The procedure generally takes between 20 minutes to one hour.
There are several ways to prepare your colon. Your physician will make a determination as to what prep you will receive. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE SPECIFIC PREP YOUR PHYSICIAN INDICATED. Please print Endoscopy Check List since it will help you to get ready for the procedure. There are several common instructions to all preps. Please print and pay careful attention to the instructions.
A poor prep won't allow your physician to proceed safely
and the procedure may have to be re-scheduled.
It is imperative that your colon is very clean to allow adequate visualization, maximize your safety during and after the procedure and to minimize possible complications. This is accomplished in two ways:
1. Restricting what you eat
What to eat: CLEAR LIQUID DIET. As a general rule, you should not eat any solid food for at least one day before the examination. An attempt should be made to avoid high-fiber diet especially if you consider yourself constipated with bowel movements more than every two or three days. If you consider yourself constipated with bowel movements more than every two or three, you should avoid high-fiber diet for three days.
2. Laxatives
Prep or Laxative - there are several options for prep.
Click on any of these preps for specific instructions.
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