Preparing for Colonoscopy
Morning Appointment
Your doctor has referred you for a colonoscopy to find out why you are having health problems.
This booklet explains what a colonoscopy is and what you need to do to prepare for the procedure.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the lining of the large intestine.
What are polyps?
Polyps are harmless growths in the bowel wall
This helps your doctor find out why you are having health problems such as blood in your stools, pain and changes in bowel habits.
It can also be used to check for colorectal cancer and polyps.
Some can become cancerous over time
Removing polyps when they are harmless prevents colorectal cancer
Large intestine
Colorectal cancer
Polyp
How
is a colonoscopy done?
A thin flexible tube is gently inserted into the anus and moved around the large intestine.
A tiny camera on the tip of the tube allows the doctor to examine the walls of the bowel to look for growths, bleeding, ulcers, swelling and other health problems.
Growths, polyps and tissue samples may be removed during a colonoscopy, avoiding the need for surgery.
What are the risks?
A colonoscopy is a safe procedure but complications can occasionally happen.
It is important that you understand the risks before signing the consent form.
Possible complications include:
• Heavy bleeding after tissue or polyp removal
• Puncture of the bowel wall needing surgery to repair
• Harmful reaction to sedation drugs
• Death (very rare)
Common Questions
What will happen during my visit?
Register
Review appointment (if needed)
Phone check-up
Can’t you do an X-ray instead?
An X-ray is not as accurate at detecting polyps and other bowel problems. Your doctor will be able to see clearly by using a camera to look directly at the intestine wall. Samples can be taken at the same time to better diagnose and treat your health problem.
Will it hurt?
No, the camera is as thick as your thumb so it is thinner than a normal stool. Air is pumped into your bowel during the colonoscopy so the doctor can see better. This may cause some discomfort if you are awake.
Payment & Home (accompanied by an adult) Next day
Do I have to be awake?
No. Most people choose to be put into a light sleep (sedated) so they do not feel or remember anything. But you can stay awake and watch the monitor if you wish.
Bowels are dirty – how will the doctor see anything?
You will be given special laxatives to fully empty your bowels and you will need to fast. See the next page for more details about preparing for a colonoscopy.
Needle inserted into hand
& medication given (if needed)
Sleeping drugs given (sedation)
How long will it take?
The colonoscopy takes 30 to 45 minutes but your whole visit will last 2 ½ to 3 hours.
Will I be sore afterwards?
You will not feel any pain from the camera but you may feel bloated from the air that was pumped in during your colonscopy. The only way to get rid of this is to pass gas.
I do not want to pass gas in public!
Please do not be shy. Our staff want you to pass gas so you will not have trapped wind which can be painful.
Colonoscopy
Advice
Rest Snack
Preparing for your Colonoscopy
It is important to fully clear your bowels. Please follow these instructions:
Day before appointment
Before 6pm
Light dinner
Fish porridge or plain bee hoon or plain mee sua
No fruit or vegetables
No beef, mutton, pork or fried food
Clear drinks only
6pm - 8pm
1st Bowel preparation (Laxatives)
Mix 2 sachets of PEG (colonic lavage powder) with 2 litres of water. Drink all before 8pm.
8pm - bedtime
Drink at least 2 cups of clear drinks
No food after 12am (midnight) until after your colonoscopy
Day of appointment
4am - 6am
2nd Bowel preparation (Laxatives)
Mix 2 sachets of PEG (colonic lavage powder) with 2 litres of water. Drink all before 6am.
No drinks after ______am (2 hours before colonoscopy)
Clear fluids/drinks
Water
Clear fruit juice (e.g. apple juice)
Clear soup with no food pieces
Isotonic drinks
Tea with no milk or cream (kosong)
Do not eat or drink milk or yogurt
When will the laxatives start working?
This can vary. Some people start passing motion within minutes of taking the laxatives while others will start after 1 to 2 hours.
How will I know if my bowels are clean?
Your stools will come out looking like urine: yellow, clear and liquid.
Stool colour during preparation
Not clean yet Clean! Nearly clean
Tips from patients
A nurse will call one working day before your appointment – ask the nurse any questions about your preparation.
Plan quiet time at home while doing your bowel preparation.
If you have children or pets, ask someone to look after them for you.
You will need to get to the bathroom quickly. Ask family members to bathe before you start your bowel preparation.
Chill your PEG drink and add clear fruit cordial - it tastes better!
Your may feel bloated after taking the PEG drink but this eases once you go to the toilet.
Drink the PEG drink slowly over the 2 hours.
Take it easy for the rest of the day because you may still feel drowsy.
Medication
Please follow this advice unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Blood thinning medication
e.g. Asprin, plavix, warfarin, heparin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban. Stop taking these pills on:
__________________(date)
Iron tablets
Stop taking these pills on: __________________(date)
Diabetes medication
Do not take while fasting
Other medication
Take with sips of water at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy
Please Remember
To arrange for an adult to accompany you home.
To Bring
Appointment card NRIC/ passport, Employment pass/ work permit for nonSingaporeans.
Civil Service Card (if applicable).
Employer’s guarantee letter (if your employer is paying the bill).
Supporting documents for verification if using a family member’s Medisave account. Blood donor card/blood donor nominee card.
Parent or guardian if below 21 years old.
Do not drive for 24 hours after your colonoscopy (if sedated).
Do not climb heights or sign important or legal documents for 24 hours after your colonoscopy (if sedated)
Please Do Not Bring/Wear
Makeup
Jewellery
Nail Polish
Valuables
Appointment Details Date: ________________
Time: ________________ am/pm
Venue
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Tower A, Level 2, Endoscopy Centre (A22)
Admiralty Medical Centre, Level 3, Day Surgery Centre (H34)
Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
You can change your appointment up to one week before the date. Please call the outpatient clinic at Tel: ______________________.
To see a doctor urgently please go to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital A&E (Acute & Emergency Care Centre).
Puat
