COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION PRIOR TO A GASTROSCOPY AND/OR COLONOSCOPY:

  • The day hospital will contact you the day prior to your procedure to advise you of your required arrival time for your procedure

  • Do NOT eat or drink (nil by mouth) up to 5 hours prior to your scheduled admission time i.e. no food, water, lollies or chewing gum.

  • Do NOT drink alcohol the day before your procedure.

  • Do NOT eat foods containing seeds or nuts for 3 days prior to your procedure.

  • You MUST arrange an escort to accompany you home.

MEDICATIONS:

  • Essential medication such as blood pressure or heart medication MUST be taken on the day of your procedure with a sip of water. Please ensure you have discussed these medications with your gastroenterologist prior to having your procedure.

  • You are to cease taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) including Aspirin, Warfarin, Nurofen, Plavix, Cartia, Astrix, Eliquis, Pradaxa or Xarelto etc as DISCUSSED WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

  • Iron tablets or multivitamins and fish oil tablets containing iron should be ceased 7 days prior to your procedure.

  • If you are diabetic, please ensure you have made your doctor and the hospital aware.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE: 

  • Do not wear jewellery and do not bring valuables to the day surgery/hospital.

  • You will be at the day surgery approximately 2-3 hours from the time of admission to discharge.

  • The recovery nurse will contact your escort half an hour prior to your planned discharge to advise them.

DISCHARGE INFORMATION

  • Your escort will need be directed to recovery to collect you

  • You will be given post-op instructions at the time of your discharge from the day surgery. Please follow these instructions.

  • You should rest at home for the remainder of the day.

  • You can return to normal diet.

  • Do not drive a car, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24-hours after the procedure. If you drive, your insurance will not cover you for any accidents incurred during these 24-hours.