Colonoscopy Preparation Woodbridge: What to Expect
If you have been referred for a colonoscopy, understanding the preparation beforehand can make the process much easier. Colonoscopy preparation Woodbridge patients receive is designed to clear the bowel so that the physician has a clear view of the colon during the examination.
For many people, the preparation is the part of a colonoscopy that causes the most questions. What can you eat? When do you stop eating? What happens with your medications? How does the bowel preparation work? The exact instructions depend on your individual procedure, which is why it is important to follow the instructions provided by your endoscopy centre.
Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre provides colonoscopy services at its Woodbridge facility and gives patients specific preparation instructions before their appointment.
Colonoscopy Preparation Woodbridge Patients Should Know
The purpose of bowel preparation is straightforward: the colon needs to be sufficiently clear so the physician can see the lining properly.
If stool remains inside the bowel, it can make it harder to identify small polyps, inflammation or other abnormalities. Inadequate preparation can also mean that parts of the colon cannot be examined properly, potentially requiring the examination to be repeated.
The preparation normally involves changing your diet before the procedure and taking a prescribed bowel-cleansing preparation. The exact timing and type of preparation can vary, so patients should use the instructions provided specifically for their appointment.
Mayo Clinic also emphasizes that thorough bowel preparation is essential because the physician needs a clear view of the colon to identify abnormalities such as polyps.
What Should You Do Before a Colonoscopy?
Your endoscopy centre will tell you when to change your diet and when to begin the bowel preparation. You may be asked to avoid certain foods before the examination and then switch to clear liquids as the procedure approaches.
The bowel preparation causes frequent bowel movements as the colon is emptied. This is expected and is the reason patients are generally advised to remain somewhere with easy access to a bathroom while completing the preparation.
It is also important to discuss your medications with your healthcare team before the procedure. Certain medications, including some blood-thinning medicines, may require specific instructions. Do not stop or change prescription medication unless your doctor or endoscopy team tells you to do so.
Mackenzie Endoscopy’s current patient information specifically advises patients to discuss medication such as blood thinners and iron with their doctor before an endoscopic procedure.
What Happens on the Day?
When you arrive at Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre, the medical team will complete the necessary checks before the procedure. You will then be prepared for the colonoscopy and sedation or anesthesia where appropriate.
During the colonoscopy, a flexible camera is carefully passed through the rectum and into the colon. The physician examines the bowel lining and may remove polyps or take a biopsy when medically appropriate.
Afterwards, you will spend time recovering while the effects of sedation or anesthesia wear off. Because sedation can affect your ability to drive and perform certain activities, Mackenzie advises patients not to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day and to arrange transportation home.
How Can You Make Preparation Easier?
The most useful thing you can do is plan ahead and follow the instructions exactly as provided.
Have the preparation supplies ready before you need them, make sure you have appropriate clear fluids available if your instructions permit them, and arrange your transportation before the day of the procedure.
Mayo Clinic notes that some people find bowel preparation easier when the solution is chilled and consumed according to the prescribed schedule. However, patients should always follow the preparation method and timing provided by their own healthcare team because different bowel preparations are used for different patients.
Colonoscopy Preparation at Mackenzie Endoscopy
If you are having a colonoscopy at Mackenzie Endoscopy Centre in Woodbridge, make sure you read the centre’s preparation instructions carefully before your appointment.
If you are uncertain about what you can eat or drink, how to take your bowel preparation or what to do with your medication, contact the clinic rather than guessing.
Good preparation gives your physician the best opportunity to properly examine the colon and helps the procedure go as smoothly as possible.