Preparation
No aspirin, aspirin-containing products or other similar drugs such as Advil or Motrin for one week prior to and subsequent to the procedure. Use Tylenol for headache.

An extended stay of four to six hours is required after this procedure.

Colonoscopy is an examination of the colon with a fiber optic endoscope. This involves insertion of a flexible instrument into the rectum and then upward into the colon.

Colonoscopy may be only diagnostic, looking at the colon alone and/or possibly obtaining a biopsy of any abnormal tissue identified; or it may be therapeutic in which case a polyp may be removed or a bleeding site cauterized using an electrocautery device.

Your doctor will decide whether fluoroscopy will be necessary to assist in performing this examination. Fluoroscopy involves the use of x-ray equipment to examine the abdomen during insertion of the instrument.

PREPARATION: Either a liquid diet and laxatives for several days before the examination or a one day more vigorous preparation of liquids and Fleets Phospho-Soda taken the day before. Do not take any aspirin, aspirin-containing products or other similar drugs such as Advil or Motrin for one week prior to and subsequent to the procedure. Use Tylenol for headache.

HOSPITALIZATION: Ordinarily not required unless dictated by other medical circumstances.

SEDATION: Usually administered intravenously to insure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable. General anesthesia is not required.

RISKS: The risks of colonoscopy, including bleeding and perforation are relatively small and depend upon whether the examination is diagnostic or therapeutic. The risks are slightly greater in the elderly and in individuals with multiple previous abdominal operations, a history of abdominal infections or prior radiation therapy. Other risks include drug reaction from the medications used for sedation and possible vein irritation or pain at the site of the injected medicine.

Medical Conditions
Most medications may be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. It is therefore best to inform your physician of your current medications as well as any allergies to medications several days prior to the examination. Aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin, and iron products are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician prior to the examination. You should alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures, since you may need antibiotics prior to colonoscopy as well.

Post Procedure
1. You have just had a colonoscopy performed by _________________________, M.D.

2. Findings were as follows:
Polyps  Yes  No  Number ______________
Diverticulosis  Yes  No  Number ______________
Hemorrhoids  Yes  No  Number ______________
Fissures  Yes  No  Number ______________
Polyps removed  Yes  No  Number ______________

3. After the examination you may experience abdominal bloating, cramping or mild discomfort. This is due to the air that was introduced while examining the colon. If a polyp was removed or a biopsy was taken, you may notice a small amount of rectal bleeding. Finally, you may develop a slight irritation at the intravenous site. This usually resolves in one or two days without any specific treatment, although applying a hot compress may help improve it more quickly.

If you develop severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, or prolonged inflammation at the intravenous site, contact your doctor for further instructions.

4. You may begin clear liquids when you leave the endoscopy room. You should eat a light lunch And advance to a regular diet for dinner unless otherwise instructed.

5. If a polyp has been removed, do not take any aspirin for seven days unless otherwise given permission to do so.

6. Resume all previous medications unless otherwise instructed.

7. You should be able to resume normal activity today, but do not drive or operate machinery until tomorrow.

8. Call the office in one week for results if biopsy is taken. (For specific questions, a follow-up appointment is recommended where one of our providers will be happy to review matters.)