Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the large bowel (large intestine or colon). A Colonoscope is a long flexible fibre optic tube (about the thickness of your little finger) which allows the doctor to view the bowel lining, assessing for inflammation, polyps (growths) or cancer.

When necessary, a few procedures may also be carried out. These procedures may include:

• taking a biopsy (small tissue sample)
• removal of polyps
• haemorrhoid banding

A colonoscopy should be considered if:

• bleeding from bowel or positive FOBT (stool test)
• chronic change in bowel habit
• abdominal pain suggesting a disorder of the bowel
• family history of bowel cancer

Alternatively, when reaching 50 years of age, a colonoscopy may be done as a screening test for cancer or polyps without symptoms, risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor.

A successful colonoscopy requires you to clear your large bowel/colon completely using a laxative.  It is important to closely follow the instructions provided.

Prior to the colonoscopy you should obtain a ‘bowel preparation’ kit as instructed from either a pharmacy or The Victorian Gut Centre (no prescription is required). The day prior to the procedure you will need to follow a low fibre (white) diet.  You will then be asked to take a laxative solution which will completely clean the colon usually commencing the evening before the procedure.

It is essential that the large bowel/colon be completely empty for your colonoscopy. To achieve this, you are required to take a bowel preparation. You will be provided with instructions by your Specialist.

To ensure that the bowel is cleansed sufficiently, it is essential that you adhere strictly to the instructions given to you with the bowel preparation.

Important instructions for patients undergoing Colonoscopy:

• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor with a sip of water on the day of your procedure EXCEPT in the circumstances outlined below.
• To prevent dehydration please drink as much clear fluids as possible. Clear fluids include water, cordial, strained fruit juice, clear broths, black tea, black coffee and jellies. Please avoid milk products or fluids with Red/Green colouring.

• If you take Insulin or blood thinning medications, please contact us at least 10 days prior to the procedure. Aspirin may be continued. 

It is important to fill out your Pre Admission Form on time(at least a week prior to your procedure)  Please contact us if you have any of the following:

• Are sensitive (allergic) to any drug or substance
• Are taking blood thinning medications
• Have chronic constipation
• Have limited mobility