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If you have serious heart or chest problems, reduce any possible risk. This includes people with artificial heart valves or a pacemaker. You should therefore inform the Anaesthetist of any serious illness of this nature. You should cease iron tablets for 5 days before the procedure. Unless discussed, you can remain on warfarin, asprin, or clopi- Your colon needs to be ‘washed out’ prior dogrel (‘Iscover’, ‘Plavix’) but you must should to your procedure. I apologise as this is the make a special effort to inform the staff on most unpleasant part of your experience as the preparation will give you diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. It is advisable not to Prior to the colonoscopy you will be provided with a preparation kit containing full instruc- The colonoscope is a long and highly flexible tions. See the Preparation Sheet regarding tube about the thickness of your index finger. Fleet or Colonlytely and follow the instructions.
The anal area is first examined to make sure the colonoscope can be inserted easily. It is If you have diabetes, please contact your inserted through the back passage or rectum doctor and discuss your medication prior into the large intestine to allow inspection of to starting the preparation. If you have asthma, bring your inhalers in case you need to use them. Please bring all your complete and you will be asleep for about 15 minutes after completion of the procedure.
The Anaesthetist will give a sedative through a vein in the arm and will ensure you procedure As cancer of the large bowel arises from is pain free. You will be comfortable, asleep pre-existing polyps (a benign wart-like growth), and most likely will not recall the procedure. it is usual practice to remove any polyps, which are found during the procedure. Most polyps can be removed by placing a wire snare around the base and applying an electric current. Revised October 2003 Dr Stephen Chung MBBS, FRACP GASTROENTEROLOGIST as air remains in your bowel. This should For inspection of the bowel alone, complica- tions of colonoscopy are extremely rare and usually occurs in the setting of a diseased bowel or after removal of polyps pain, bleeding from the back passage, fever, or other symptoms that cause you • Perforation (creating a tear or puncture) • You will receive a full report after the • Reaction to the sedatives especially test, as will your referring doctor.
These complications may require treatment If you wish do not understand and wish to have the full details of all possible complica- tions in detail then please contact myself or your referring doctor.
• Please arrange for a relative or friend to collect you and remain with you until the next day return to work the following day unless instructed Revised October 2003 Dr Stephen Chung MBBS, FRACP GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Source: http://www.hobartgastro.com.au/downloads/colonoscopy.pdf