Preparation for Colonoscopy

"Colonoscopy

Importance of Proper Preparation

In order to obtain the clearest and most representative images, it is essential that the patient follows a good preparation for the colonoscopic examination; this also translates into advantages for the patient himself, since the discomfort and the duration of the examination are reduced.

In this regard, the digestive endoscopy center provides the patient with a series of instructions aimed at an "optimal cleansing of his intestine; through a particular diet and the aid of laxatives to be taken up to the emission of watery and clear stools, those fecal residues that would cover the intestinal mucosa, limiting the accuracy of the diagnostic investigation.

Remember to Inform Your Doctor if ...

Upon delivery of the leaflet containing the instructions, it is advisable to inform the doctor of any medicines taken, state of pregnancy or breastfeeding and the presence of any diseases or disorders (constipation, heart, kidney, metabolic, intestinal, allergic diseases ...); in some cases, in fact, certain laxative preparations could be contraindicated.

How to prepare

Indications for good colonoscopy preparation vary slightly from center to center.

Diet

For further information: Colonoscopy Diet

In general, starting from the 3/4 days preceding the examination, the person is invited to follow a diet free of waste and dairy products, increasing the water intake.

Therefore, vegetable foods, pasta, cheeses, milk, yogurt and whole grains cannot be consumed, but only eggs, meats, fish, broth, juices, fruit juices, purees, baby food and small quantities of white bread. The diet will become totally liquid in the day before the colonoscopy, where only nut broths, water, tea, chamomile, herbal teas, sugar or honey, pulp-free fruit juices, soft drinks, coffee and any kind of solid food will be allowed. Some centers advise to suspend the intake of fruit and vegetables with the seeds (grapes, kiwis, figs, strawberries, aubergines, tomatoes, etc.) already in the 10 days preceding the appointment.

Laxatives

As anticipated, an essential element of colonoscopy is the use of laxatives, often in liquid form (SELG-ESSE 1000, ISOCOLAN, MOVIPREP or equivalent, which can be purchased in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription and used according to the instructions in the package leaflet). In many cases, the patient finds himself having to sip up to 3/4 liters of non-carbonated aqueous solution within 5 or 6 hours, an event that could cause nausea; this symptom, completely normal, can however be alleviated through the " use of specific drugs, such as plasil tablets or syrup; it is in fact important to strive to take all the preparation, perhaps in small sips to limit nausea.

In case of repeated vomiting and severe abdominal pain, it is advisable to consult your doctor or the digestive endoscopy specialist.

Generally the first evacuation appears within an hour and a half - two hours from the beginning of the intake, which can be interrupted after the first 3 liters in case of emission of clear material.

On the contrary, in the event that the preparation is not effective (evacuation of solid and liquid material even after the end of use), one or two enemas with Sorbiclis or an enema with 1.5 liters of warm water for at least 2 hours should be performed. before the exam.

In any case, from the two or three hours preceding the first intake of the laxative, until the time of the colonoscopy, it is necessary to follow a totally liquid diet.

When to take laxatives

The time of taking the preparations varies in relation to that of the examination; if the colonoscopy is performed in the morning, the laxative procedure will be performed starting from the late afternoon of the previous day, reserving, if necessary, the intake of the last liter of preparation very early in the morning before the colonoscopy. If, on the other hand, the appointment is fixed in the afternoon, the purgative solution will be divided equally between the evening of the previous day and the morning of the same day. In both cases, the intake of laxative preparations will be suspended at least four hours before the appointment.

Suspension of Pharmacological Therapies in progress

Patients who take supplements or drugs containing iron, medicines for diabetes, aspirin or other antiplatelet / anticoagulants (such as Sintrom / Coumadin), may be required to vary the intake dosages or to suspend their use in the days preceding the colonoscopy.

Preparation for Virtual Colonoscopy

Dietary therapy to approach the examination is also necessary for patients who intend to undergo a virtual colonoscopy, for which - however - less rigid dietary and laxative schemes are generally proposed.