Colonoscopy is performed to reveal if there are any medical or surgical conditions in the rectum and large bowel such as inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, pouches (diverticula), strictures or cancer.
The examination is performed through the anus with an endoscope, a flexible and steerable instrument, through which the inside of the rectum and large bowel are inspected. Inserting instruments through the endoscope makes removal of polyps, tissue sampling and photographing possible.
Before the examination
If you suffer from other diseases, especially heart, lung and kidney diseases, you must inform prior to examination.
If you normally take anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) such as Clopidogrel, Plavix, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis or Marewan (warfarin), then please contact the prescribing physician to make sure that it is okay to stop them for the recommended number of days:
- If you take Clopidogrel, Plavix, or Pradaxa stop 5 days prior to colonoscopy.
- If you take Xarelto or Eliquis stop 2 days prior to colonoscopy.
- If you take Marevan (warfarin) stop 5 days prior to colonoscopy and INR prior procedure must be <1,5.
If your prescribing doctor says that it is not okay to stop, please contact our office.
Do not stop hjertemagnyl (aspirin) for the procedure.
Three days before examination the preparations begin, in that regard you must not consume bread with whole grains, apples, oranges, sesame seeds, linseed and other foods that are difficult to digest. The day before examination, you may only consume clear liquids (water, clear broth, apple juice, lemonade, soda, beer) and no dairy products.
Cleansing w. PICOPREP before colonoscopy
You can purchase PICOPREP from your local pharmacy (no prescription required) or pick it up for free at the clinic.
It is important throughout the cleansing process, to drink plenty of liquids to avoid getting dehydrated.
Clear liquids means: Water, Clear soup, Bouillon, Lemonad, Soft drinks, Apple juice, Black coffee (can be with sugar), Tea (can be with sugar)
If your examination between 8 and 12 o’clock:
- Consume first letter PICOPREP between 15 and 16 o’clock and second letter between 21 and 22 o’clock the day before examination.
If your examination between 13 and 16 o’clock:
- Consume first letter PICOPREP between 21 and 22 o’clock the day before examination and second letter between 7 and 8 o’clock the day of examination.
Dissolve PICOPPREP in a glass of minimum 150 ml. ice cold water. Immediately after drink minimum ¼ liter of clear fluid. During the day / evening drink minimum 1 liter of clear fluids.
Fluid intake after midnight may cause additional restroom visits and lack of sleep. In the morning you may drink clear liquids again.
NB: Regardless of what is mentioned on the leaflet in the PICOPREP package, you should follow these instructions to achieve the best result.
ATTENTION! Generally, a mild sedative/ anesthetic injection is highly recommended for the examination. If you accept the sedation during examination, you must previously have planned the transport home after surgery (pick-up by relatives, taxi or other). You are not allowed to drive for the rest of the day.
Examination
The examination is performed lying on the left side. The endoscope enters the large bowel through the anus. During the examination it may be necessary to change position and to apply a gentle pressure to the abdomen to facilitate insertion of the tube.
The examination lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.
The air that is necessary to blow into the bowel might cause patients to experience some discomfort in the stomach (pressure and tightness). In the end, the air is drawn out again.
As mentioned, to minimize discomfort and ease the examination, we recommend an injection with a small amount of anesthesia and sedatives, prior to examination.
After examination
You get the result of the examination immediately. The result of the examination is also sent to your general practitioner within 24 hours. The result of tissue samples is available after 1 week and will preferably be e-mailed to you.
You can eat and drink normally immediately after examination.
Risk of examination
Risk of complications during colonoscopy occurs mainly in relation to removal of polyps and consists of bleeding or perforation (hole in the intestine). The risk is about. 1 in 2000 colonoscopies and may result in urgent hospitalization and operation.