Colonoscopy
The colon is about 5 feet long in adults. It absorbs water and forms a solid stool as waste moves through. Understanding how this part of the digestive tract functions is key for detecting and preventing serious conditions, such as colon cancer.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy allows our specialists to view the inner walls of the colon. This hour-long procedure requires a flexible tube about the size of your finger to be inserted into the anus, where it slowly pushes through the whole length of the colon.
Sometimes, your provider may remove tissue or abnormal growths (polyps) for more testing.
When Would I Need a Colonoscopy?
Your provider may recommend a colonoscopy if you experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Severe hemorrhoids
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Weight loss
You may also require a colonoscopy if you have a family history of cancer.
Benefits of a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy has many benefits, such as diagnosing colon or rectal diseases like colorectal cancer. It can also help identify precancerous polyps and the following:
- Redness or swelling
- Open sores (ulcerations)
- Narrowed areas of the colon
- Pouches along the colon wall
Early detection of colon or rectal disease can lower your risk for health complications or death.
One Week Before the Procedure
One week before the procedure, you will need to stop taking the following medications:
- Aspirin
- Motrin
- Advil
- Alka Seltzer
- Bufferin
- Nuprin
- Iron Pills
- Naprosyn
- Coumadin (Warfarin)
- Plavix (Clopidogrel)
- GLP-1
If you are taking any of the above medications, call the Endoscopy Center at 210-358-2925 for instructions regarding the management of these medications.
Make sure you have filled your prescription for Golytely (laxative).
Three Days Before the Procedure
Three days before the procedure, you will need to adjust your food choices to consist of a low-fiber diet. This diet includes eating more animal protein, such as eggs, chicken and fish. You will also be allowed to eat low-fiber fruits, including bananas and pears. When it comes to bread, your provider will either give you the okay to eat low-fiber breads or avoid them altogether.
High-fiber foods to avoid include:
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
The Day Before the Procedure
Follow these instructions one day before the procedure so your provider can clearly see your colon:
- Eat a clear liquid diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This includes Jell-O, juices, broths, coffee without cream, tea, soda or certain Gatorade flavors, but do NOT eat or drink anything red, blue or green.
- Fill the container of Golytely with water and shake it. Mix the laxative in the morning and refrigerate it, as the drink tastes better cold. You may add Crystal Light (lemon-lime) for flavor.
- Take 2 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) tablets at 2 p.m. You can purchase this over the counter.
- Starting at 6 p.m., drink a cup (8 oz.) of Golytely laxative every 10 minutes until you have finished the entire container. Drink plenty of other clear liquids, as well.
- Do NOT eat anything solid or drink anything besides the Golytely laxative after midnight or 24 hours before the procedure.
- Please remove nail polish from your fingernails before the procedure because it can interfere with the pulse oximeter.
NOTE: These medicines allow the physician to see your colon clearly. If the colon is not clean, your procedure will be incomplete and you may need to return for a second procedure.
On the Day of the Procedure
On the morning of your procedure, your bowel movements should be clear. If it is not clear, the doctor will not be able to do your colonoscopy. Before you arrive, be sure to do the following:
- Take your routine medications with a sip of water
- Do NOT take medications for diabetes
- Leave your valuables at home
For your comfort and safety during the procedure, sedation will be administered, so be sure to bring a responsible adult to drive you home. Please be aware that if you do not have someone to accompany you, the colonoscopy will not be performed as scheduled.
After Your Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, air is placed in the colon to help visualize the walls of the colon. As a result, you may experience bloating and cramping after the procedure. As you expel the air, the cramping and bloating will decrease. It can take up to 24 hours to resolve.
It also is common to feel tired after the procedure because of the medications given during the procedure. The sleepiness can last until the next day. On procedure day, plan to have a quiet day with light activity.
While you can eat and drink normally after the procedure, we suggest starting with a light meal and advancing your diet as tolerated.
Post-procedure Tips
Due to the sedation used during the procedure, we do NOT recommend the following:
- Driving or working until the next day
- Using machinery or equipment that can cause injury
- Signing any important papers
- Making any important decisions
Lessen cramping or bloating by:
- Walking
- Resting
- Placing hot water bottle/heating pad over the abdomen
- Expelling air as able
When to go to the emergency room
If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room.
- Fever
- Chills
- Persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Bleeding (more than 1 teaspoon at one time)
- Worsening or persistent abdominal pain
