MUHC-MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
COLONOSCOPY (GOLYTELY INSTRUCTIONS)
7TH FLOOR – MAIN BUILDING / ROOM D7-102
TEL: (514) 934-1934 LOC: 43906
Description:
Colonoscopy is an examination which uses a long, flexible instrument in order to directly inspect the lining of the large intestine. If a small growth called a polyp is found, it will most likely be removed during the test. After the test, the patient is ordinarily allowed to resume a normal diet. It is usual to return to regular activities the next day.
Mild sedatives are usually given by injection at the beginning of the examination. A friend or relative MUST accompany you, because you will be drowsy from the medication given to you and you will not be able to drive yourself home. It is illegal to drive following sedation as judgement and reflexes may be affected long after the medication has worn off.
The examination is performed with the patient lying down. Air is inserted during the test that may give you a distended feeling during and after the test. Some cramps might be felt as curves of the intestine are passed. Usually the examination takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes but when polyps are removed, it may take longer. Polyp removal is painless. After the examination is completed, you will be asked to rest for a short period of time in order to allow the effects of the medication to wear off.
If there is a large amount of blood passed at home after the test or severe abdominal pain, call the office immediately during the day (514) 934-8308 and during the evening or weekends – call the hospital operator (514-934-1934) and ask for the gastroenterologist on call.
During colonoscopy, there is a very small risk of making a small hole in the colon. This may necessitate an immediate operation to close it. In our experience, this is a most unusual occurrence.
Medication:
Blood thinners such as ENTROPHEN, ASPIRIN PRODUCTS (includes baby Aspirin) AND NSAID'S should be discontinued 9 days and COUMADIN should be discontinued 4 days prior to the examination. PLAVIX should be stopped 6 days prior to the examination.
Blood pressure medication must be taken normally. Tylenol is permitted (but not Advil or Motrin).
Headache can occur during the preparation.
In preparation for your Colonoscopy
A clean colon permits a better and safer examination. Please follow the preparation instructions carefully.
The day before examination:
You must not eat any solid food today. You may drink only clear liquids (water, clear fruit juices: - apple, orange, and grapefruit juice without pulp, bouillon, plain Jell-O (avoid red colored Jell-O), coffee and tea (no milk), soft drinks, Kool-Aid, Ice Popsicle). Hard candies are allowed.
**Drink several litres of liquids during the day**
If you are diabetic, whether your appointment is in the morning or the afternoon, you may drink Ensure.
Preparation for Colonoscopy:
- Purchase GOLYTELY OR COLYTE OR PEG-LYTE (4 liters) (available at your pharmacy without prescription).
- The day prior to your exam:
- you may not eat food, milk or milk products. You may only clear liquids (water, clear, fruit juices, consommé, or clear broths, jello). You may continue to take your usual medications.
- From approximately 4 PM in the afternoon until 8pm, drink 4 liters of golytely or Colyte or Peg-Lyte (one liter per hour)
- You may continue to drink clear liquids. The bowel movements will become progressively loose and watery and ultimately become clear. Please take nothing by mouth after midnight.
- Diabetics should consult their physician about their medication and advise us prior to taking an appointment.
- Patients taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) should consult their physician about the possibility of holding the medication and advise us when making the appointment prior to the colonoscopy.
- It is important to be punctual for your appointment. If for any reason it is impossible for you to proceed with the colonoscopy, YOU MUST let your doctor know AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
It is important to inform the doctor if you have any allergies to medications.
You may be receiving medication before the procedure to help you relax. These may impair your reflexes and judgment. It is therefore strongly recommended that you be accompanied because YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE AFTER THE PROCEDURE FOR 24 HOURS.
This procedure is usually well tolerated and rarely causes pain. Many patients fall asleep during the examination. Any discomfort is usually mild and well tolerated. In rare cases, it is impossible to pass the colonoscope to examine the entire colon. If that were to occur, your doctor will discuss other alternatives with you.
After the colonoscopy, if you have received medication, you will remain in the endoscopy area until the effects of the medications have sufficiently worn off. You may also feel bloated from the air that was introduced in your intestine during the examination. When you leave the department, you will be able to resume your usual diet.
N.B. : REPORT TO ROOM D7-102 – 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE EXAM ! ! !
Reminders!
DO NOT drive yourself
Be 30 minutes in advance
No solid foods the day before (milk or milk products included).
Drink 8 glasses of water or clear fluid minimum to ensure proper cleansing of colon ( total 4 liters).
Stop above metioned medication (only).
GOLYTELY Must be taken according to above instructions.
It is MANDATORY to have an UP-DATED hospital card BEFORE coming to your appointment. If your card needs updating (expiry date, address, telephone number, maiden name « female ») or you don't have a card, please go to the ADMITTING OFFICE – (ROOM B1-121 FIRST FLOOR –Pine Ave. Entrance).