No food should be eaten on the day of the colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine or bowel) by the use of a flexible tube with a small television camera mounted on the tip. Colonoscopies are usually performed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the gastro-intestinal system, to diagnose symptoms, or as a precautionary measure in older patients or patients with genetic tendencies toward colon cancer. The procedure itself is preceded by a period of bowel preparation, and it is followed by a recovery period.
Preparation
Preparation is by far the most unpleasant part of the colonoscopy experience. In order for the examiner to have a clear view of the colon, it must be clean. No food should be eaten on the day of the colonoscopy, and often no food is allowed for 24 hours prior to the colonoscopy. Your doctor may prescribe a restricted diet for as much as four days leading up to the procedure.
In addition to no food intake, you will be required to drink a large volume of laxative, usually one gallon, in a short period of time. Flavorings may be provided to make this easier, but you can expect some difficulty in getting it all down. Using a straw instead of drinking from a glass can be helpful. In addition to hunger and possibly some nausea, the liquid stool produced by the laxative will irritate the anus. Petroleum jelly or hemorrhoid medication can be used to treat this. Sitting in a warm bath also helps.
Procedure
The colonoscopy itself requires little more of you than your presence. You will be given medication and fluids through an IV (intravenous drip) to help you relax. While you are sedated the doctor inserts a flexible ½-inch diameter tube with a small camera attached into your rectum. The tube and camera, called an endoscope or colonoscope, are slowly advanced through the large intestine while the camera displays and records what it sees. In order to improve visibility, a small amount of air may be applied to the bowel. During the examination if the doctor thinks it is feasible, small polyps can be removed and tissue samples can be collected through the endoscope.
After the examination is complete, the doctor slowly removes the endoscope. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
Post-procedure
You will need someone to drive you home after a colonoscopy.
When the procedure is completed, you will be taken to a recovery area to recover and wait for the medication to wear off. There may be a brief period of cramping and the sort of pain associated with flatulence. Due to the medication, you should not drive and must have a responsible adult to drive you home. You can immediately resume your normal diet, but alcohol and driving and operating machinery should be avoided for at least 24 hours. You should follow any instructions given by your doctor.
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