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| Endoscopy Procedures |
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| Colonoscopy |
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Colonoscopy is similar to a sigmoidoscopy but involves
the whole length of the colon. It is a longer procedure, as the doctor
will also examine the descending, transverse and ascending colon as
well as the caecum.
For this procedure, you will be sedated. The doctor gives you an injection
to relax you, a combination of painkiller and sedative. This makes
you feel sleepy and more comfortable during the procedure. |
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| The nurse will place
a probe on your fingertip. This probe monitors your heart rate
and oxygen level throughout the procedure. If you require oxygen,
it will be given through a thin tube placed near your nostrils.
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| You may hear the doctor or nurse speaking to you,
asking how you are, or telling you the progress of the procedure.
You may feel some abdominal discomfort or distension as the doctor
maneuvers the colonoscope. |
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| Preparation for a colonoscopy |
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The whole length of colon has
to be clear of faecal matter to enable the doctor to see clearly.
Bowel preparation begins at home, 3 days before your appointment. |
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| 3 days before your procedure |
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Eat foods low in fibre. |
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Do not eat vegetables, fruits, cereals, grains, high-fibre
breads, chicken and other red meats. Do not drink fruit juices
or cereal drinks.
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You may eat fish, porridge, potatoes, beans and white bread. |
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| 1 day before |
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Have a light lunch of porridge. |
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You should begin to drink the
bowel preparation solution in the afternoon. Allow yourself
one hour for 1 litre of solution. Once you begin the bowel preparation
solution, do not take any solid food. |
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The bowel preparation solution
will cause you to move your bowel. This is not diarrhoea and
will not make you feel weak or tired. You will pass out the
liquid that you are drinking, and this will "wash out"
your colon. Towards the end of your drinking, you may be passing
a clear yellow liquid. It is important to finish all of the
solution, as this will ensure your colon is clean and your doctor
will be able to perform a thorough examination. |
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If you have problems drinking
the solution, please inform your doctor. He may order an alternative
preparation for you. |
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| On the appointment day |
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Do not eat or drink anything. |
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If you are on medication for a heart condition
or high blood pressure, you may take these medicines with a
little water. Other medicines should not be taken until after
the procedure when you are eating again. |
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You will be asked to change into a procedure
gown and kimono before your procedure. There are lockers available
for you to place your clothes. |
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