Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy may be performed to find the cause of signs and symptoms including:

• bleeding from the rectum
• blood in the stools
• pus or mucus in the stools
• unexplained abdominal pain
• changes in bowel habits such as unexplained and long-lasting diarrhoea
• screening and surveillance for colorectal cancer.

Prepare for Colonoscopy-

The day before

The day before the colonoscopy you will be asked to drink a special preparation to help empty your bowel. This is important because it helps the doctor see the lining of your bowel more clearly and find any changes.

The day of the procedure

A sedative is given to relax you and will make you feel drowsy. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you will usually be able to go home about two hours later after the effect of the sedation wears off.

Read your discharge instructions carefully. Certain medications, such as blood-thinning agents, may need to be avoided temporarily if biopsies were taken or polyps were removed.

Bleeding and puncture of the colon are rare but possible complications of colonoscopy. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• Excessive or prolonged rectal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills

 Bowel prep - Please contact our office or email us directly