Patient Information
For successful colonoscopy the bowel must be clear of any stool (faeces). Inadequate preparation increases the duration and risk of the procedure, limits the views of the bowel lining and hence increases the chance of missing abnormalities. This may result in the colonoscopy (and bowel preparation) needing to be repeated.
Bowel preparation is not pleasant as it results in diarrhoea and is generally inconvenient. Please adhere to the following instruction as best you can. These instructions are more detailed than those provided with the PLENVU packet, and we strongly advise that you adhere to these instructions, as they have been designed to optimise the bowel preparation for colonoscopy.
The timing of the bowel preparation depends on when the procedure is to be performed. Please take note whether your colonoscopy is in the morning or afternoon.
Please ensure someone is available to drive you home after the procedure as you will have had some light sedation and will be unable to drive or operate machinery for the day of your procedure.
GASTROSCOPY PREPARATION
For a successful gastroscopy please fast from all food for 6 hours prior to your admission time. You ma have clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to admission time. Please wear a short sleeve, open neck shirt/, /comfortable clothing for the day of the procedure as you may not need to get changed.
Please ensure someone is available to drive you home after the procedure as you will have had some light sedation and will be unable to drive or operate machinery for the day of your procedure.
CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY PREPARATION
Capsule endoscopy is used to pinpoint bleeding in hidden areas in the small bowel. The small capsule is swallowed and travels, just like a piece of food, through the stomach, small bowel and into the large bowel. A recording belt is placed around the abdomen to track the progress of the capsule as it makes its way through the gastrointestinal system. The images obtained by the capsule are transmitted to a data recorder worn in a harness around the waist.
DAY PRIOR TO PROCEDURE
* Eat a light diet until midday and then only drink clear fluids for the rest of the day.
* Fast from midnight prior to the procedure.
DAY OF THE PROCEDURE
* Medication may be taken with a sip of water before 6.30am if required
* Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing (T shirt) without any metal buckles, buttons, or zips etc.
* You will be able to go home for the duration of the procedure
* After 4 hours, you may enjoy a light snack, clear liquids or water