FAQs About Colonoscopy at Sibley
Colonoscopy is direct visualization of the lower GI tract involving the rectum and the large intestine. A colonoscopy is considered by many cancer experts to be the preferred method for colon cancer detection. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus and weight loss. The colon and rectum are the two main parts of the large intestine.
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A screening colonoscopy should begin at the age of 50 for most people — earlier if there is a family history of polyps, colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or other risk factors. Even though colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it still accounts for the second highest cancer death rate in the United States after lung cancer.
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If the procedure is to be complete and accurate, the colon must be completely clean. Patients are given detailed instructions about the cleansing of the colon procedure. In general, this consists of a large volume of a special cleansing solution or several days of a clear liquid diet and laxatives or enemas prior to the examination.
These instructions should be followed to the letter or the procedure may be unsatisfactory and have to be repeated later. This procedure is performed with sedation and the patient should not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours prior to the procedure.
The patient will not be able to drive after the procedure and will need someone to accompany them home.
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Most medications should be continued as usual, but some may interfere with the examination. It is best that the physician and nurse are informed of all current prescription or over-the-counter medications. Aspirin products, heart and blood pressure medications, blood thinners, arthritis medications, diabetic medications and iron preparations are examples of medications that may require special instructions. The physician and nurse will also want to be aware of the patient’s allergies and any other major illnesses. Instructions may also be given to avoid certain foods for a couple of days prior to the procedure, such as stringy foods, foods with seeds or red Jell-O.
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A: No. To ensure your safety during the procedure, it is important that the stomach is empty. Any food or liquid in the stomach at the time of the procedure places you at risk of aspirating those contents into the lung leading to a serious complication called aspiration pneumonia. You can drink water until 4 hours before your procedure time.
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A: If the preparation instructions were not followed properly, residual stool may remain in the colon and hide important findings from the examining physician. In some cases if the colon preparation is not good, you may have to repeat the preparation and the exam. If you accidentally eat any solid food the day before your exam, please call and ask to speak with a member of the nursing staff. You may be asked to reschedule your procedure.
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A: No. If you do not have a responsible adult to accompany you home, YOUR PROCEDURE WILL BE CANCELLED.
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A: If you are taking any blood thinning medications please let your endoscopist know. Generally speaking, you should quit taking your blood thinning medication 5-7 days prior to some procedures; however, you must check with your endoscopist and your prescribing physician to ensure that it is needed and safe for you to do so.
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A: The day prior to your procedure take your medications the way you normally would. However, for those patients taking any type of bowel cleansing preparation, be advised that you may undergo a prolonged period of diarrhea that may flush oral medications out of your system before they have time to take effect. The morning before your procedure you should take any blood pressure or heart medications you may be on with a small sip of water. You can hold most other medications and take them once your procedure has been completed. If you have questions about a specific medication(s), please call a member of our clinical staff.
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A: You must direct that question to the physician who placed you on this medication. Please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure as you normally would. If you have any questions about your diabetes management in conjunction with your fast for your endoscopic procedure, please consult with your primary physician.
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A: Many prescription pain medications can adversely affect the medications we use for sedation and for that reason we recommend that the day of your procedure you delay taking your pain medication until after your procedure has been completed. If you have any questions, please call a member of our clinical staff.
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A: No. Your menstrual period will not interfere with your physician’s ability to complete your procedure.
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A: No. Iron may cause the formation of dark-colored stools which can make it difficult for the physician to complete your colonoscopy if your preparation is less than optimal. We recommend you stop taking your oral iron supplements at least one week prior to your procedure.
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A: Aspirin may affect blood coagulation. Please check with your endoscopist and prescribing physician.
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A: Nausea, vomiting and a sense of fullness or bloating can occur any time after beginning your colon preparation. However, it is important that you drink all the preparation. For most people, taking an hour break from the preparation will usually help. Then continue taking the preparation as ordered. If the vomiting returns or symptoms get worse, please call your physician.