Colonoscopy Preparation

During colonoscopy, the patient is given sedatives so they do not feel or recollect any pain. Hence the procedure is quite comfortable. However, the preparation for the same can be quite challenging.

The purpose of the preparation is to remove all faecal matter from the colon so that the physician conducting the colonoscopy will be able to see clearly. The preparation for this is called bowel prep. All solids need to be removed from the gastrointestinal tract and for this the patient needs to follow a strictly liquid diet for atleast 3 days.

The patient should not consume any fluid containing red or purple dye. Water, plain tea or coffee, strained fruit juices and sports drinks such as Gatorade are the most acceptable drinks.

A laxative should be taken the night before the colonoscopy. A laxative is a medicine that helps to loosen stool and increase the bowel movement. It is usually taken as a pill that is swallowed or as powder dissolved in water. Another option is to administer an enema. This is performed by flushing water, or sometimes even a mild soap solution into the anus, with the help of a specific type of bottle called the wash bottle.

It is very important that the doctor knows if there is any allergy or illness that the patient has or is prone to. The patient should inform the doctor about any medical condition he/she might have and also about any vitamin or other supplements taken on a regular basis. These especially include aspirin, diabetes or arthritis medication and any vitamin supplement that contains iron.

Following the doctor’s directions is important. If you don’t follow the preparation procedures properly, you might be forced to do it all over again. The patient should also be prepared to spend the majority of the day prior to the test in the toilet. Carrying a book would be a good idea. You should approach the doctor if any of the directions are unclear.

To minimise the anal discomfort, using adult wet tissues and spraying water to clean is advisable over the use of toilet paper. Another important thing to keep in mind after a colonoscopy procedure is that the patient should not get dehydrated. Water will seem boring after a while and so plenty of liquids should be kept at hand to ensure that the patient has variety.

If all the directions are followed properly, the patient will be safe as complications in colonoscopy are very rare.