Colonoscopy

At Minsa Medical Centre Colonoscopy is available.

What Do You Need to Do Before a Colonoscopy?

Before a colonoscopy, let your doctor know about any special medical conditions you have, including the following:

• Pregnancy
• Lung conditions
• Heart conditions
• Allergies to any medications
• If you have diabetes or take medications that may affect blood clotting; adjustments to these medications may be required before the colonoscopy.

Never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.

You may need to take antibiotics before the colonoscopy if you:

• Have an artificial heart valve
• Have ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure

How Do You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

There may be some diet or fluid restrictions before you have a colonoscopy, but this will vary according to your doctor’s instructions. You may be asked to limit or eliminate solid foods for a few days before the test. You may also be asked to take laxatives by mouth. 

Make sure you arrange for a driver to bring you home after the colonoscopy. Because you receive sedating medication during the procedure, it is unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery for 8 hours after the procedure.

What Happens After a Colonoscopy?

After your colonoscopy:

• You will stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation
• You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this usually passes quickly
• You can resume your normal diet

Read your discharge instructions carefully. Certain medications, such as blood-thinning agents, may need to be avoided temporarily if biopsies were taken or polyps were removed.