Colonoscopy Preparation Procedures

A colonoscopy is an examination of the large colon where a small camera on a tube is passed through the anus and into the intestine. It can detect problems such as ulcers or polyps and also be used to take a small biopsy. However, prior to the examination, the patient must follow several steps to ensure the colon is cleaned out and ready for the procedure.

Medication

• About a week before your exam, your doctor will ask you to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the procedure and be harmful to your health during the colonoscopy. Any type of medicine that thins the blood such as Coumadin, aspirin and ibuprofen should be ceased. Also, any vitamins that include iron need to be suspended.

Cleaning

• Most of the preparation involves flushing out all the stool and fluids in your colon. Your doctor will ask you to take laxatives during the 24 hours before the examination. Usually you will be able to decide which laxative works best for you. Some doctors recommend Phospho-soda laxative, which you can get over the counter. You mix this laxative with water or ginger ale and then be ready to spend a lot of time on the toilet as your colon is flushed out.

Fluids

• After midnight on the night before the exam, you will not be allowed to eat anything. Also, you can only ingest clear-colored liquids. Allowable drinks include water, tea, broth, clear juice and coffee. You need to avoid milk and alcohol. It is also important to refrain from ingesting anything red as the doctor may confuse the coloring as blood in the colon.