The Preparation for Colonoscopy is very important for you to get the most out of this exam and help you and your doctor to find out what is happening to you
What is a colonoscopy and how is it done?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which the inside of the entire large intestine (rectum and colon) is examined. It is recommended to diagnose symptoms such as bleeding, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation.
It is also advised for people who have no symptoms but want to prevent colon cancer or for those who have family members with polyps or colon cancer.
Before starting the procedure we will channel a vein through which we will administer the sedative that will put you to sleep. We will take care of you and you will not feel anything
For the Colonoscopy I will use a piece of equipment called a Colonoscope (a long, flexible instrument, 13mm in diameter) to see the entire interior of the colon in detail. The colonoscope is introduced through the anus, advanced to the rectum and subsequently passes through all regions of the colon until it reaches the cecum and almost always to the last part of the small intestine called the distal ileum.
On the way back I will systematically examine all the walls of the colon and if necessary I can take small tissue samples (biopsies) and remove any polyps (moles or colon warts) that I find.
Once the procedure is finished you will be taken to a recovery room. You will remain there until the great effects of the sedation wear off.
How is the preparation for Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy preparation aims to remove all fecal matter from the colon so that I can see it properly and not miss anything. In addition, good preparation makes the procedure easier and reduces the risk of complications or discomfort after the exam.
What preparation should I get and how do I take it?:
Buy a box of Travad Pik that comes with two sachets and a glass.
The day before the exam, fill the glass up to 150 ml, pour the contents of an envelope and mix it for two or three minutes until it dissolves completely. Take it at 7 at night. After this, drink at least 5 glasses of liquid (Water, clear juice in water, tea, aromatic, aguapanela, Clight, non-carbonated soft drinks). Drink it slowly
If your exam is between 7 and 9 in the morning, repeat the above procedure with the second envelope and take it at 10 at night. Remember to drink at least 5 glasses of liquid afterwards. If your colonoscopy is after 9 a.m., have your second glass at 5 a.m. and drink 5 glasses of fluid between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
The preparation does not taste ugly, but you can help yourself by sucking on a candy, sandwich or panela. If you feel nauseous or vomit, stop taking the preparation, wait a while and start taking it again very slowly and in small sips.
What can I eat before the colonoscopy preparation?
Three days before the exam, avoid eating foods that contain seeds (Granadilla, Pitaya, Watermelon, grapes). The day before the exam you can have breakfast and lunch as you normally do, but hopefully you do not eat grain foods such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas or corn.
At the end of the afternoon you can eat a light snack such as a sandwich or arepa with ham. From then on, do not eat more solid things, but you can drink all the liquids you want, such as juices in water, aromatics, tea, red or coffee, Gatorade, jellies, consommé.
Other recommendations for Colonoscopy preparation
8-hour fast for solid foods:
As we are going to sedate you for the exam, it is important that you fast for solid foods for 8 hours so that you do not have the risk of food residues going into the bronchi (bronchial aspiration).
You must be accompanied by an adult:
Due to sedation you may see some reflexes or your ability to concentrate diminished. That is why it is necessary to come with a person who is in charge of taking you home
Do not drive or ride a motorcycle:
Driving a car or motorcycle or grilling a motorcycle increase the probability of an accident after sedation
Take your medications before the exam:
If you take medications such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes, take them before the exam with a sip of water. If you are diabetic and you apply insulin, schedule the colonoscopy as early as possible and apply only half the prescribed dose or leave it for after the exam to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Tell us about your health status:
There are conditions or illnesses that increase the risk of the exam or sedation. Therefore, if we have not previously seen you in consultation, tell us if you suffer from any delicate illness, if you have specific allergies, if you have had previous problems with sedation or anesthesia or if you take anticoagulant medications (for example warfarin) or antiaggregants (Clopidogrel or aspirin ).
If you have a respiratory infection reschedule the exam:
We are in the era of Covid and respiratory infections. That’s why if you have a fever, cough or nasal congestion, even if it’s a normal cold, reschedule the exam for when you feel better.
What can I eat after the Colonoscopy?
After the exam you can eat what you usually consume. Of course, be prudent and do not exaggerate, especially with dairy products, sweets or beans. If due to your exam or its findings, you require a specific food recommendation, we will give it to you.
In case of any inconvenience with your preparation for Colonoscopy, contact us here http://wa.me/573207571313 or call us at 6043223087 or 3207571313.
Learn more about my Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Center at https://endoscopiaycolonoscopia.com
Cheers,
Mauricio González Hernández
Your Gastroenterologist in Medellín
