Make sure your colonoscopy will be done by an experienced colonoscopist who is interested in constant improvement in the quality of colonoscopy that he or she provides.
Will my colonoscopy report include photographs of my caecum?
Do you use split-dosing of bowel preparations?
Will my colonoscopy report include details about the quality of my bowel preparation?
What you can expect from your colonoscopist:
- they are well trained in the procedure and meets agreed standards for competence
- there will be skilful and thorough examination of all parts of the large bowel
- risk factors (e.g. anticoagulant therapy, presence of severe co-morbidities) will be identified well before colonoscopy and action taken to minimise risk
- you will be given a clear explanation of what is involved in the procedure and have an opportunity to ask for more information and that this information will be provided before starting your bowel preparation
- you will be given clear information about the details of the bowel preparation, including the importance of maintaining hydration
- the type of bowel preparation selected for you was based on your personal risk factors (e.g. age, renal impairment) and your personal preference
- the procedure will be performed safely and with minimal discomfort
- verbal and written information about the results of the procedure are given to you
- verbal and written instructions about what to do if problems occur after discharge are provided
- information about follow-up review is given
A detailed conversation with your colonoscopist should help answer any outstanding questions or concerns.
Several different types of bowel preparations are currently available, so be sure to ask your colonoscopist about the various options and the risks and benefits of each.
When your colonoscopist settles on a preparation for you, discuss how it works, how you’re supposed to take it, and any other questions you have about the process.
Certain medications, including over-the-counter items, may need to be adjusted prior to colonoscopy, because they can make the procedure more hazardous or increase your risk if polyps need to be removed.
If you are taking iron tablets, aspirin or anti-arthritis drugs, or any blood thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin), it is essential that you tell your colonoscopist.
Special arrangements may be necessary if you have diabetes or heart valve disease or have a pacemaker implanted, so it is important to discuss this with your colonoscopist before the colonoscopy is organised.
As with any invasive healthcare procedure or examination, there are risks associated with colonoscopy and with preparation for the procedure.
Before you can provide informed consent for colonoscopy, your colonoscopist must provide a clear and realistic explanation of the procedure, possible associated discomfort, the benefits, and a clear explanation of the risks and potential adverse events including: sedation reactions, bleeding (immediate and delayed); perforation; and missed pathology.
You have the right to withdraw your consent at any stage of the colonoscopy process and this should be understood by all members of your medical team.
Information about the risks and adverse events associated with bowel preparation for a colonoscopy can be found in the bowel preparation materials or Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) supplied by the manufacturer and from your pharmacy.
Regardless of what time of day you plan to have your colonoscopy, if your bowel is not properly cleansed the examination will have to be rescheduled.
The time of day the colonoscopy is performed does not impact whether you have polyps but may play a role in whether they are detected.
Findings from several studies suggest that having a colonoscopy in the morning results in better polyp detection rates than those performed in the afternoon.
Researchers believe this may be due to inadequate bowel preparation in patients who must wait until later to have the procedure done. Alternatively, it has been suggested the lower number of detections were a result of colonoscopist fatigue.
Visit the pharmacy to pick up your bowel preparation as soon as your colonoscopy is scheduled.
Bowel preparation is a medicine your colonoscopist gives you to prepare your bowel for inspection during a colonoscopy.
Review the instructions about the colonoscopy process at least two weeks ahead of time to ensure that you know what to do with your diet and medications, especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, heart, kidney, or vascular problems, require blood thinners or have other serious medical problems.
Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your colonoscopist immediately.
Ensure you have the time and privacy needed to complete the bowel preparation with as little stress as possible.
Clear your schedule of any commitments and be at home when you are required to start the preparation.
If you have children or aging parents who require care, have someone else available to assist once you begin the bowel preparation and on the day of the procedure.
- soft toilet paper
- wet wipes
- lotions/creams to ease anal irritation
- reading materials, videos, and other ways to help pass the time
- a variety of clear liquids
- water
- chicken or beef bouillon/broth (low sodium)
- flavoured drink mix (lemonade, lime, orange flavours only)
- frozen ice-pops or Italian ice (no ice cream, sherbets, or fruit bars)
- fruit juices without pulp (e.g. apple, white grape, white cranberry, orange, and lemonade)
- jelly (lemon, lime, or orange only; no fruit or toppings)
- soft drinks
- tea or coffee (no milk or non-dairy creamer)
While taking the bowel preparation, avoid alcohol and do not drink anything coloured red or purple. Dark colouring in your bowel can lead to inaccuracies during the colonoscopy
Bowel preparation for a colonoscopy isn’t pleasant, but must be done correctly and completely, or the entire examination (including bowel preparation) may have to be repeated.
Bowel preparation works like a strong laxative to quickly eliminate solid waste from the digestive tract, resulting in diarrhoea (and necessitating easy access to a toilet while completing the preparation process).
The exact colonoscopy preparation instructions depend on the bowel preparation your colonoscopist has selected for you, the time of your colonoscopy, any prior experience you’ve had with preparations and on your medical history.
Some of the most common bowel preparations are:
- Glycoprep-O Kit™
- Glycoprep Orange®
- MOVIPREP®
- Picolax®
- Picoprep Orange®
- Picosalax®
- Plenvu®
- Prepkit Orange™
Click on the above links to access Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) which provides further detail and important facts to know before, during and after taking your preparation. While a CMI is written by the pharmaceutical manufacturer, the content is defined by legislation to ensure it is accurate, unbiased and easy to use.
The afternoon or evening before the colonoscopy (typically 12-18 hours prior), you will drink a liquid that triggers bowel-clearing diarrhoea.
You will be given instructions that will explain what you should and should not do in preparation for the colonoscopy.
You will also get a list of what you can and cannot eat or drink.
A few days before the colonoscopy procedure you should start eating a low-fibre (low residue) diet: no wholegrains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or raw fruits or vegetables. Fruit juices, white bread, refined breakfast cereals, meat and dairy foods are allowed. Dark colouring in your bowel can lead to inaccuracies during the colonoscopy, so avoid drinking or eating anything coloured red or purple.
The day before the colonoscopy procedure, you should not eat any solid foods. Instead consume only clear liquids like clear broth or bouillon, black coffee or tea, clear juice, sports drinks, popsicles, etc.
The day of the colonoscopy, as on the previous day, drink clear liquid foods only. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel especially thirsty. Don’t eat or drink anything two hours before the procedure.
Bowel preparation is an essential part of a successful colonoscopy, so you need to make sure that you completely understand the instructions provided concerning your bowel preparation.
If your bowel is not free of all waste (stool) before the procedure, polyps and lesions can be missed; the colonoscopy may take longer (increasing risk of complications); or the whole process may need to be repeated or rescheduled.
Helpful tips
- Prepare the bowel preparations exactly as directed
- Carefully follow package insert or colonoscopist's instructions for use, exact dose and timing
- Plan for episodes of watery, diarrhoea-like bowel motions
- Increase clear fluid intake to avoid dehydration
In general, these preparations are safe, and most people have few problems with their use.
Tell your colonoscopist or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking the bowel preparation.
The exact colonoscopy preparation instructions depend on the bowel preparation your colonoscopist has selected for you, the time of your colonoscopy, and any previous experience you’ve had with preparations.
Different bowel preparations flush out the bowel using different methods and vary in the active ingredient they use, how they taste, how much liquid is involved, and in how they’re dosed.
The preferred method is known as split dosing.
You take half the prep the night before the procedure and the other half about six hours before the procedure.
It may clean the bowel more thoroughly compared to taking all the preparation the day before the procedure.
No matter what preparation you take, follow the instructions provided with the preparation as well as those given to you by your colonoscopist, and remember to cease taking any medications that may increase the risk of bleeding if a polyp is removed, as per your colonoscopist’s instructions.
Once the preparation begins to work, it’s best to stay in the bathroom if possible due to the urgency and frequency of needing to use the toilet.
Wear loose comfortable clothes and keep items close at hand that you might like to use, including your phone, laptop, magazine, books, or office work, as well as plenty to drink.
To avoid chafing, use disposable baby wipes or water to rinse, instead of toilet paper.
Eventually the colour of your diarrhoea will begin to get lighter, which is one indicator that the bowel is getting cleaner. However, finish the preparation as instructed and drink plenty of clear fluids to remain hydrated.
If the bowel preparation is still working in the morning when you go for your colonoscopy, don’t be embarrassed to ask for a bathroom when you arrive. People ask this all the time and staff are used to it.
Some minor side effects are common during the preparation including nausea, bloating, and abdominal distention.
If you chilled the preparation prior to drinking it, you could experience some shaking chills from consuming so much cold liquid in a short time period.
These minor types of side effects call for holding off on the preparation for a bit, then trying to restart after the symptoms pass. If you can’t restart, call the colonoscopist for recommendations.
More serious side effects include dizziness, fever, or severe headache.
They could indicate dehydration or allergic reaction and should result in an immediate call to the colonoscopist.
You can find other more serious side effects that have been reported in the Consumer Medicine Information provided by the manufacturers of the bowel preparations.
Review this information when you get your prescription and contact your colonoscopist with any questions or concerns.
If you’re worried about a potential side effect, call your colonoscopist.
Remember to listen to your body during the bowel preparation process.
Persistent or severe side effects shouldn’t be ignored.
If you can't finish the bowel preparation, let the colonoscopist’s office know as soon as possible.
It’s better to cancel and reschedule the appointment than to have an incomplete colonoscopy because your bowel wasn't sufficiently clean.
If you are aged 18-and-over and have had a colonoscopy, we invite you to provide feedback about your experience.
My Colonoscopy Experience is a user-friendly and easy to understand questionnaire that can be completed anonymously in around 10 minutes.
Developed by Bowel Cancer Australia and powered by Healthie™, the questions ask about your colonoscopy referral, pre-admission, care and treatment, interaction with staff, discharge from care and any post-procedure issues.
Every person’s feedback about their colonoscopy experience is unique and valuable.
Your experience with the health system is an important and meaningful measure of quality of care that can be used for performance monitoring purposes and to drive quality improvement.
My Colonoscopy Experience only takes a small amount of time to complete, but it can have a big impact.
Measuring patient colonoscopy experience in Australia is long overdue.
Help us ensure the patient voice is heard, so that future colonoscopy care reflects what patients want and need.
Together, we can make real change happen!
Please click on the image below to share your anonymous feedback or contact Bowel Cancer Australia on 1800 555 494 for more information.
