Colon Cancer Screening: Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Pre-Colonoscopy Doctor's Visit

A doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to evaluate the colon for cancerous lesions, identify areas of bleeding, or diagnose other bowel-related disorders. Before the procedure, a physician will prescribe colonoscopy preparation. While different types of preparation exist, the goal is always to clear the colon of fecal matter so the doctor can clearly see it.

How to Properly Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

One Week Before the Colonoscopy

A doctor will likely recommend specific dietary changes in the week leading up to the colonoscopy. While cooked or canned vegetables are acceptable, individuals should avoid the following foods during this week:

• Grains, including brown rice, oatmeal, and wheat bread;
• Nuts;
• Seeds, including poppy or sesame seeds;
• Whole-grain corn;
• Raw fruits and vegetables;

During a colonoscopy, the doctor may also advise patients to stop taking certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding. These notably include anticoagulants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. It is crucial that individuals stop taking these medications approximately 3 to 7 days before the procedure, but following the precise instructions given by their doctor. Under no circumstances should medication be stopped without prior medical advice.

Three Days Before Your Colonoscopy

Begin preparing three days before your colonoscopy. For example, if your colonoscopy is scheduled for Wednesday, you will start the low-fiber diet on Sunday morning. To better prepare for your colonoscopy, follow these few tips. First, avoid taking fiber supplements or anti-diarrheal medications. If you are on medication for diabetes or heart conditions, be sure to follow the given instructions regarding managing these medications before the procedure. Furthermore, limit your diet to low-fiber foods and do not consume products containing red, blue, or purple dyes that could interfere with the test results. Finally, ensure you have a family member or friend available to drive you home after the colonoscopy and stay with you for at least two hours.

Two Days Before the Colonoscopy

Continue eating only low-fiber foods. Avoid foods that contain red, blue, or purple dyes which could interfere with the test.

One Day Before the Colonoscopy

It is essential to consume only clear liquids in the 24 hours before the colonoscopy. Here are some examples of acceptable clear liquids:

• Clear broth;
• Coffee or tea, but without added milk or cream;
• Electrolyte beverages, such as sports drinks;
• Jell-O;
• Strained fruit juices without pulp;

However, a person should always consult their doctor with any questions regarding specific foods. The doctor will often prescribe an oral solution to drink to help cleanse the colon. This solution will result in frequent bowel movements until there is no more fecal matter in the colon. These solutions are likely to have different dosage methods. Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe drinking the entire solution the day before the colonoscopy. Other times, they will recommend drinking a portion of the solution the night before and the rest on the day of the examination. The solution is intended to prompt the individual to use the restroom. Their bowel movements will turn into diarrhea. This preparation step can sometimes give the person nausea, bloating, thirst, or dizziness. If this occurs, the person should take a break for at least 30 minutes after drinking the preparation and slowly sip clear liquids. If they can tolerate restarting the drinking preparation, they should do so. With a doctor's permission, it may be possible to add a non-red, blue, or purple powder drink mix to the preparation to improve the taste.

During colonoscopy preparation, the patient should:

• Stay near a bathroom for easy access to the toilet;
• Wear loose-fitting pants that are easier to remove;
• Drink clear liquids after swallowing the preparation to eliminate the unpleasant taste;
• Apply petroleum jelly around the anal opening or use baby wipes to reduce anal irritation;
• Stools will eventually become clear or yellow. This change indicates a person's colon is likely cleared of fecal matter;
• For those with constipation issues, a doctor may also recommend using a stool softener to facilitate bowel movements;

The Day of the Colonoscopy

If your colonoscopy is scheduled in the morning, you may need to wake up earlier than usual if your doctor has prescribed laxatives to be taken on the day of the procedure. Remember to refrain from drinking anything at least 2 hours before the procedure. Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the colonoscopy and stay with you for at least two hours. Avoid consuming alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that could impair your judgment before your appointment.

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After Your Colonoscopy

After the colonoscopy, you will receive discharge instructions from your nurse and physician, including a summary of the results after the visit. If tissues were collected, you will receive a letter or phone call with those results. Risks associated with colonoscopy are generally few. There is a very small risk of bleeding after a colonoscopy that can last up to two weeks. It is important to note that the most serious potential consequence is perforation of the bowel wall, although this is rare. This perforation could cause leakage of bowel contents into the abdomen, which can be extremely dangerous. In cases where such a situation occurs, surgical intervention will be necessary to repair the damaged wall. Other possible risks are bleeding from a biopsy or polyp removal site. Some individuals may also have adverse reactions to the colonoscopy preparation or medications they have taken during the procedure.

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