24 HOUR EMERGENCY

Before a colonoscopy, you will need to clean out (empty) your bowel. Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the examination.

 

For this please:

• Follow a special diet the day before the test. Typically avoid raw vegetables, fruits, alcohol and nuts the previous day. Please have your dinner by 6 PM.

• You will also need to take a laxative. Please purchase “Colowipe®” or “Peglec®” Powder from your local chemist. Mix this with 2 litres of water and drink slowly between 6 to 8 PM the day prior to your procedure. Ensure that you drink the entire liquid content. At 9 PM, please take 2 tablets of “Cremalax®” 10mg each with a small sip of water.

• You will also need to adjust your medications. Remind your doctor of your medications at least a week before the exam, especially if you have diabetes, lung related problems or if you take medications that contain iron or blood thinners.

• You will have diarrhoea usually from around 9 PM till midnight. You may even have some diarrhoea early in the morning. Remember, the more the diarrhoea, the better for doing the procedure. Don’t worry about dehydration; you may have clear liquids (water, coconut water, Limca®) until midnight.

• The day after, do not take your usual medication until the procedure is over.

 

SUMMARY:

Day prior to procedure:

Before 6 PM: Complete dinner

6 – 8 PM: Take Colowipe® or Peglec® powder mixed with 2 L water

9 PM: Take 2 X 10mg Tab Cremalax®

Diarrhoea will occur until late in the evening/night and maybe even morning

Clear liquids are allowed till midnight

Day of the procedure

Do not take your usual medication

Report to the clinic 30 minutes before your appointment time