Preparing for a Colonscopy
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
Dr. Cheryl Lau
Dec 18, 2024
There is no need to fear going through a colonoscopy. Preventative Colonoscopy screening is not painful and it can save your life.
From the pre-scope counselling, to the scope process itself and the after-scope care, this article addresses common misconceptions and queries you may have about a colonoscopy.
Is the bowel preparation for Colonoscopy difficult?
Our clinic will help walk you through step by step the bowel preparation making sure it is easy to understand and as easy as possible. “Slow and steady cleans the colon”; the trick to getting through the bowel preparation is to drink it slowly. This will minimise any potential bloating.
Does Colonoscopies causes a lot of pain?
Patients are given sedation during a colonoscopy and most do not remember the short procedure. Patients can return to regular activities very quickly the day after the procedure. Colonoscopies are performed with privacy and respect for our patients; it is a routine procedure that specialist surgeons like us performed on a daily basis and there is no need to be embarrassed.
I am feeling fine. Do I need a colonoscopy then?
The early stages of colon cancer may not cause symptoms. Colon cancer should be addressed early, when it is most easily treated.
Individuals with no symptoms should undergo preventative colonoscopy screening at the age of 45 years and above. Many colon polyps do not cause symptoms; but a colonoscopy removal of these polyps, before they potentially turn cancerous, helps minimise the risk of colorectal cancer.
Is my colonoscopy cost Medisave claimable?
Screening colonoscopy procedures are claimable under MediSave for patients above the age of 50 years old who receive it in a day surgery setting.
You can use your MediSave to pay for colonoscopy screening at all approved private hospitals and medical institutions, provided you are aged 50 years old and above and it is a day surgery procedure. The day surgery limits are:
1) Day Surgery: Up to a maximum of $300 per day for daily hospital charges, including investigations, medicines and doctor's attendance fees.
2) Operation: A fixed operation limit of either $950 or $1,250 or $1550, depending on the type of procedure performed.
On the other hand, diagnostic scopes performed for appropriate medical indications,
are claimable under MediShield Life.
Everything you need to know about your colonoscopy with us
Before your colonoscopy:
- Schedule your procedure.
Inform us of your preferred date/time and preferred endoscopy location. (Make sure someone is available to drive you home on that day).
- Our clinic staff will arrange for a pre-procedure doctor consultation in clinic and a bowel preparation counselling session, at least 3 days prior to your preferred colonoscopy date.
- If you are taking any medication, please inform us at least 1 week before your procedure date. You will need to stop taking Blood thinner medications such as aspirin, warfarin and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) temporarily for a few days before the procedure.
- 3 days before the procedure: Start a low-residue diet food.
- 1 day before: Follow the bowel preparation instructions to clear out your colon before your procedure and stick to a liquid diet. If your colon is not completely emptied prior to the procedure, there is a possibility that the scope may miss an abnormality. Some of us may not enjoy the taste of the bowel prep solution: you can mix it with something flavoured, like a clear liquid sports drink. You can also drink it slowly through a straw placed far back on tongue. You can also suck on a piece of hard candy after drinking the bowel preparation.
On the day of your colonoscopy:
- Make sure that you are fasted at least 5 hours prior to the scope time. Fasting means no solid food or drinks.
- Report to the scope centre at least 90 minutes prior to the scope time.
- The endoscopy centre’s nurse will check with you regarding your bowel preparation. If the last bowel output still has solid stools, there may be a need for a fleet enema before the procedure.
During the procedure:
- You will wear a hospital gown.
- You will be positioned on your left side on the bed, with your knees drawn toward your chest.
- If a Gastroscopy is to be performed concurrently, you will have a numbing spray applied to the back of your mouth, prior to the start of sedation. A protective disposable mouth guard will be placed to protect your lips.
- Sedation will be given to make you comfortable during the whole process, either by us or by an Anaesthetist.
- The whole procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes.
- If a polyp removal or a biopsy is performed, the test results will be sent to the clinic in 5 to 10 working days.
After the procedure:
- After the procedure is completed, it usually takes an hour to recover from the sedative meds. A very small group of patients may experience transient nausea from the sedation effect. You will need someone to take you home because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off. Do not drive or make important decisions or go back to work for the rest of the day.
- A small group of patients may also feel bloated for a few hours after the procedure. Walking will help relieve any discomfort.
Clinic review after the procedure:
- A clinic consult appointment is scheduled by the clinic a few days after the scope, to explain that the scope and biopsy results.
