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Colonoscopy Instructions

Your colon has to be COMPLETELY EMPTY in order to perform a successful colonoscopy. It is important to follow these steps:

1. Purchase 1 package of Pico-Salax (containing 2 sachets) at the pharmacy.
2. The day before the colonoscopy - drink only clear fluids for the entire day. No solid food allowed.
3. The day before the colonoscopy at 4 pm, mix 1 sachet of Pico-Salax, with one tall glass of water and drink. Follow this with 3-4 glasses of clear fluid.
4. That evening (before the colonoscopy) at 8pm, drink the second sachet of Pico-Salax mixed with water, followed by 3-4 glasses of clear fluids. Solid foods are still not permitted.
5. It is important to be punctual for your appointment. If for any reason it is impossible to proceed with the colonoscopy, YOU MUST call the clinic at least 24 hours in advance.

• If you are taking COUMADIN, ASPIRIN, PLAVIX OR DIURETICS. It is usually necessary to stop these medications prior to the procedure.  Please discuss in advance with your doctor if these medications can be stopped.
• If you have diabetes, your diabetic medications will need to be adjusted prior to starting the preparation for the colonoscopy.
• If you have kidney disease, you must take an alternative preparation that can be prescribed.
• If you require antibiotics prior to dental work due to heart disease
• If you are allergic to any medications.

COMPLICATIONS:  Colonoscopy & polypectomy are associated with a very low risk of complications when performed by specialized physicians.  One possible complication is a perforation (a tear in the wall of the intestine) that can occur in less than 0.01% of cases.  If that were to occur, the administration of antibiotics and intravenous solutions are often sufficient to resolve the situation.  Rarely does it require a surgical intervention.  Bleeding may occur at the site of the biopsy or polyp removal.  It is usually minor and stops on its own or can be controlled by cauterization.  It is extremely rare that we have to transfuse or perform surgery to stop the bleeding.  Localized irritation of the vein or a small bruise may occur at the site of injection of medication. This will resolve after a few days or rarely after a few weeks.  We rarely see reactions to the medication administered during the procedure.  These reactions would resolve by themselves rapidly.  Other extremely rare complications can occur in predisposed patients, including a heart attack or a stroke.  As for any other medical intervention, cases of death have been reported, but this is extremely rare.