Colonoscopy

For the doctor to clearly see the walls of the intestine, the colon must be completely clean and free of stool.

• Diet 3 days before: Start a low-residue (fiber-free) diet.
  • Avoid: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, high-fiber foods, whole grains, nuts, milk and other dairy products, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and seeds.
  • Allowed: Grilled white meat and fish, eggs, white pasta/rice (not whole grain), strained broth, herbal teas, and non-carbonated drinks.
• The day before: Strictly liquid diet (strained broths, water, herbal teas, pulp-free juices, non-carbonated drinks). Do not drink red or purple colored liquids.
• Bowel preparation (Laxatives): Take the evacuant solution prescribed by your doctor strictly at the indicated times. It is usually divided into two doses. Generally, if the appointment is before 15:00 h, start taking the evacuant solution the evening/night before the colonoscopy; if it is after 15:00 h, start taking it first thing the morning of the procedure.
• Fasting: Strict fasting (not even water or the preparation) for 4 hours before the test.
• Medication (Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets): If you take anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol/sintrom, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, etc.) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, etc.), they usually require suspension before the test (except for ASA 100 mg, which is usually maintained). However, it is ESSENTIAL that you follow the exact instructions given by your doctor. Review the consultation report in which the test was requested to confirm the specific guidelines for your case.
• Clothing and preparation: Do not wear nail polish, as a sensor (pulse oximeter) will be placed on your finger to monitor sedation.
• Companion/Driver: It is mandatory to be accompanied due to the sedation. You cannot drive or make important decisions after the test.
• Expected discomfort or pain from the test: It is common to feel abdominal bloating, gas, or mild to moderate cramps after the procedure due to the air introduced to visualize the intestine. In case of a biopsy or polyp removal, very mild bleeding may occur.