Mr Andrew Barclay | Bendigo | Castlemaine
Colonoscopy Information
2) Bowel Preparation for colonoscopy
Purchase Colonoscopy Prepkit Orange from the Chemist
This contains GlycoPrep Orange 70g sachet and two PicoPrep 20g sachets.
Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation
A successful colonoscopy requires a clean bowel in order to see growths in the colon.
Buy Colonoscopy Prepkit Orange from any pharmacy.
TWO DAYS BEFORE COLONOSCOPY - LOW FIBRE DIET
Mix GlycoPrep Orange 70g with one litre of water and put into fridge
Allowed food and drinks
White bread, rice bubbles, plain pasta
White flour, plain crackers, rice noodles
Peeled potatoes, avocado, mushrooms
Fish, chicken, tofu, eggs
Yogurt, milk, ice cream
Water, tea, coffee, clear soups, broth
Wine, lemonade
Not allowed foods
Wholemeal and wholegrain foods
Porridge, muesli, grains, quinoa
Nuts, beans, peas, lentils
Red meats, processed meats, ham,
sausage, no yellow cheese
Dairy with fruit and nuts, fruit smoothies
All fruit (fresh and dried)
Fruit juices
Nothing containing seeds
Iron containing medications
ONE DAY BEFORE COLONOSCOPY - CLEAR FLUIDS
Breakfast: only allowed food and drinks from above (before 9am) followed by only clear fluids such as;
Water, jelly, back tea or coffee (no milk), Lucozade, clear soups, broth, clear cordials
1pm - add FIRST PicoPrep to 250ml water. Drink the mixture.
4pm - take GlycoPrep from fridge and drink one glass every 15-30min
6pm - add SECOND PicoPrep to 250ml water and drink.
Continue to stay hydrated with clear fluids during this time.
DAY OF COLONOSCOPY - CLEAR FLUIDS
Take your regular medications with a sip of water (except diabetic medication)
Continue with clear fluids (do not have milk).
Stop drinking 2 hours before your appointment time. Start fasting.
Notes:
Ensure you are close to a toilet and keep hydrated
If nauseated take a break for half an hour and walk around
COLONOSCOPY INFORMATION
During a colonoscopy the lining of the large bowel is inspected using a bendable tube which is passed through your back passage. Polyps (growths) are removed and
and biopsies can be performed.
You will lie on your side or back while the doctor performs the procedure (which usually lasts anywhere from15 to 60 minutes). You should plan to be in hospital for two to four hours.
While the procedure is done under a light anaesthetic you may feel some pressure, bloating or cramping. During the procedure you may be slightly conscious of what is going on around you. Most patients will not remember the procedure.
Following the procedure you may have some cramping because of gas in your colon. This will improve when you pass wind.
RISKS OF COLONOSCOPY
While colonoscopy is generally safe there are some potentially serious
complications.
Bowel perforation: this can cause bowel leakage into the abdomen. The treatment is usually surgery.
Bleeding: this can happen up to two weeks after the procedure but usually stops by itself without surgery.
Inability to complete the colonoscopy due to bowel disease or other problems.
Polyps or bowel cancer can be missed. This is more likely if your bowel is not properly cleaned.
Rarely heart or lung problems can occur. People with ill health are at higher risk.
Death due to complications of a colonoscopy is extremely rare.