Colon canceris the second leading cause of death from all cancers. Early detection of colon or rectal disease can lower your risk for complications or death.

One of the best ways to diagnose colon or rectal disease is to do a colonoscopy.

What is a Colonoscopy?

• A procedure used to view the entire colon (large intestine).
• A flexible tube about the size of your finger is inserted into the anus and is advanced slowly into the rectum and into the whole length of the colon.
• This test lets the doctor see the inside walls of the intestine.
• This test is done when you have such symptoms as persistent diarrhea, severe hemorrhoids, blood in your bowel movements, or a family history of cancer.
• During the procedure it is possible to take a tissue sample or biopsy for further test.

One week before the test:

Stop taking the following medications

Make sure you have filled your prescription for the Golytely.

One day before the test:

1. Eat a clear liquid diet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This includes: jello, juices, broths, coffee with no cream, tea, sodas, gatorade. DO NOT DRINK FOOD THAT IS RED!
2. Fill the container of Golytely (laxative) with water and shake it. Mix the laxative in the morning and refrigerate it as it tastes better cold.
3. Starting at 6:00 P.M. drink a cup (8 oz.) of the laxative every 10 minutes until you finish the whole container.
4. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT, OR FOR 6 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST.

NOTE: In order for the doctor to see the inside of your colon clearly, you must flush out all of the stool in your colon. If the colon is not clean you will have to come back another day to have the test done again.

On day of test:

1. Take your routine medications with a sip of water. DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATIONS FOR DIABETES!!
2. On the morning of your test your bowel movements should be clear fluid.  If it is not clear the doctor will not be able to do your test.
3. BRING AN ADULT WITH YOU TO ESCORT YOU OR WE WILL NOT DO YOUR EXAM.

What happens during Colonoscopy?

• You will have to change into a hospital gown.
• You will be told about the test and be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask questions. The nurse will start a IV in your arm and will give medication through the IV so that you have minimal discomfort during the test.
• You will lay on your left side.
• The doctor will perform a rectal exam to check for anal and rectal problems.
• A lubricated scope is inserted through the rectum.

After the procedure

During 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 decreas. It can take several hours for it to resolve (up to 24 hours).

Also, you may feel tired and sleepy after the procedure because of the medications given during the procedure. This is normal. The sleepiness can last until the next day. We recommend that you have a quiet day with light activity.

You may eat and drink normally after the procedure. We suggest starting with a light meal and advancing your diet as tolerated.

IMPORTANT--Due to the sedation used during the procedure:

• Do not drive or work until the next day.
• Do not use machinery or equipment that can cause injury.
• Do not sign any important papers.
• Do not make any important decisions.

Tips for lessening the effects of cramping/bloating:

• walk
• rest
• rocking chair
• place hot water bottle/heating pad over abdomen
• try to expel air as able

IMPORTANT - If you have:

• Fever
• Chills
• Persistant nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• Bleeding (more than 1 tsp at one time)
• Worsening or persistent abdominal pain

**GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM**