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August 30, 2023
Pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation: Everything you should know before procedure
The Cancer Association of South Africa's (Cansa) research on colorectal cancer indicates that there are various processes involved in getting ready for a colonoscopy. A week earlier, dietary adjustments could start the process.
A colonoscopy is a sort of imaging test where a doctor looks at the lining of the colon with a colonoscope.
At the same time, they might also remove polyps or tissue for a biopsy.
A doctor could advise a colonoscopy to check for malignant lesions, find regions of bleeding, or uncover other conditions affecting the digestive system.
The rectum is entered with a thin scope that has a light at the end during the colonoscopy process. To check the colon, the doctor will move the scope through it.
A lot of folks typically dread taking this exam. The actual exam lasts only a few minutes, and most patients are asleep for it. Recovery usually only requires a few hours and you won't be able to feel or see anything.
But getting ready for the test might be uncomfortable.
A doctor will recommend a colonoscopy preparation before the operation. There are several methods but they are all intended to clear the colon of faeces so that a doctor can see it clearly. Starting the preparations up to a week before the colonoscopy is possible.
A good colonoscopy requires thorough planning. Your doctor won't be able to see within your colon clearly if it isn't clear. Polyps, one of the early indicators of colorectal cancer, are frequently tiny and adhere to the inner walls of your colon.
According to Cansa statistics, if you're prepared for a screening, you should start drinking extra water two days before, and then most people will need to take a specific drink to empty their bowel, commonly known as a bowel prep kit.
A colonoscopy prep, also known as a bowel prep package, is an oral laxative that you will take before your colonoscopy.
Before other operations, including a lower GI X-ray exam or colectomy, you might also need to finish a bowel prep. The night before your procedure, you'll consume the formula to help you clean your bowels (by pooping).
Healthcare professionals advise taking a variety of formulas. There are modest variations in the ingredient combinations used in various bowel prep kits.
They all contain the following, according to studies by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA):
Electrolytes
It's critical to combine osmotic laxatives with additional fluids and electrolytes because the act of cleansing your bowels can be extremely drying.
In contrast to how your body would ordinarily reabsorb water and electrolytes through your bowels, hyperosmotic agents transfer a large portion of your body's water content into and out of it very quickly.
Serious repercussions may result from significant electrolyte deficits. Therefore, your bowel preparation mix includes both fluids and electrolytes.
Osmotic laxatives
An osmotic laxative (also known as a hyperosmotic agent) is the active component in your bowel preparation kit that causes you to urinate.
One or more hyperosmotics may be present in your kit. These are things that can't be normally absorbed by your bowels.
They drive the chemicals through by causing your bowels to absorb more water from your body.
The additional water makes your faeces softer and expands the capacity of your colon overall. Peristalsis, which causes muscle contractions to move things out, is triggered by this.
A week before the colonoscopy
In the week before a colonoscopy, a doctor may advise making specific dietary adjustments.
While it is acceptable to consume canned or cooked veggies this week, the CCA advises against the following foods: grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal and wheat bread, nuts, seeds such as sesame or poppy seeds, whole-kernel maize and uncooked fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, a doctor might advise patients to cease using specific drugs that could raise the risk of bleeding during a colonoscopy.
According to "Medical News Today", examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, blood thinners like warfarin and clopidogrel.
During the consultation, the gastroenterologist will work with the patient to determine how long they should stop taking a certain medicine before and after the colonoscopy.
The meeting is also a wonderful opportunity to inquire about the procedure's hazards and advantages.
48 hours before the colonoscopy
To avoid dehydration when starting their bowel preparation, folks should drink plenty of water or other drinks.
Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day to help lower the chance of becoming dehydrated.
At this stage, a doctor can also advise staying away from meals that are red or orange because they might give the appearance that the colon is bleeding.
24 hours before the colonoscopy
It is essential to consume only clear liquids in the 24 hours before the colonoscopy.
Clear broth or bouillon, coffee or tea without the addition of milk or creamer, electrolyte-containing beverages like sports drinks, gelatin, popsicles and strained fruit juices without pulp are a few examples of clear liquids that are acceptable.
Generally speaking, any food or beverage that can be seen through should be allowed as part of a clear liquid diet. However, if someone has any concerns about a particular cuisine, they should always speak to their doctor.
Less than 2 hours before the colonoscopy
Drink nothing two hours before your treatment, not even water. This action is crucial to avoid getting sick following your surgery.
Those who consume alcohol just before the surgery run the danger of becoming ill and inhaling vomit.
Depending on the hospital, you may need to refrain from drinks for a longer period of time.
Both the preparation for and recuperation from a colonoscopy may be painful and inconvenient.
The alternative, not identifying and treating possible issues, such as colon cancer, is significantly worse.
Follow your doctor's instructions, and if you have any questions, don't be hesitant to ask.
Notably, if your colonoscopy is successful, you might not require another one for 10 years.
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