Colonoscopies

How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?

Your colon needs to be completely empty before this procedure, so that your doctor can have a clear look at the tissues in your colon. You will need to:

Stop taking iron supplements a few weeks before the test
Stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning pain relievers
Check with your doctor about taking prescription medications
Avoid eating solid foods 2-3 days before the test
Drink the prescription bowel preparation liquid prescribed by your doctor the evening before your test, according to your doctor’s instructions
Drink plenty of clear liquids until a few hours before the test
Bring a driver with you to your procedure appointment

How is a colonoscopy performed?

You will be given a sedative and pain medication to make you relaxed and drowsy
You will lie on your left side with your knees drawn up toward your chest
A lubricating jelly will be placed in the rectum to decrease discomfort
The colonscope will be inserted into your anus
Air is inserted through the scope to provide a better view
Tissue samples may be taken and/or polyps removed and cauterized
You may feel pressure or brief cramping, but because of the sedation, you may not have any discomfort or any memory of the test
The test usually takes 30-45 minutes

What happens after the test?

The effects of your sedation should wear off in a few hours
You will remain in the recovery area until the medication has worn off partially
You will have a feeling of fullness and will need to expel the air from your procedure
You must have someone else drive you home
Your Carilion Clinic physician will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to review the results of your colonoscopy

Laparoscopic surgery

If polyps are too large to remove during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, your surgeon may choose to remove them during a laparoscopic procedure. It is much less invasive that traditional surgery because it uses several small incisions in your abdominal wall instead of one large one.

Carilion Clinic Location Information

Carilion Giles Community Hospital

159 Hartley Way

Pearisburg, VA 24134

Phone: 540-921-6000

General Directions: Located behind Wal-Mart in Pearisburg, VA

Carilion Clinic, 3 Riverside

3 Riverside Circle

Roanoke, VA 24016

Phone: 540-224-5170 or 877-827-2836

General Surgery

901 Plantation Road