Colonoscopy Preparation
COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION
A colonoscopy is a relatively fast and safe procedure. However, its safety and reliability depends on the correct preparation of the colon (large intestine) prior to the examination. Colon cleansing is necessary prior to having the procedure performed by your physician from Premier Gastroenterology. It is very important for the patient to follow the preparation recommended by the physician.
If you suffer from constipation, the standard colon cleansing procedure may not be sufficient. Please call your physician’s nurse to ask for advice.
A prescription strength bowel prep along with detailed instructions were given to you when you visited our office to schedule the colonoscopy. For open access patients, an electronic prescription should have been sent to your preferred pharmacy and instructions sent to your e-mail. If for some reason you do not have your bowel prep and instructions, contact our office immediately either by phone or via email, contact@pgkaty.com.
It is very important that you fill your prescription for the bowel prep at least 5 days before your scheduled procedure, to insure that the pharmacy has it in stock.
FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO EXAM
Five days prior to exam, begin to decrease the residue in your diet. Refrain from eating nuts, seeds, corn and popcorn. Discontinue fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Benefiber, etc.
ONE DAY PRIOR TO EXAM
No solid foods are allowed for the entire day.
You are required to be on a clear liquid diet the entire day. Clear liquids include: water, juices (including orange, grapefruit and lemonade without pulp), tea, coffee, broths, jello, and popsicles. Exclude any fluids containing red or purple dye/food coloring.
DAY OF EXAM
Four to five hours prior to your scheduled arrival time You may take any necessary blood pressure medications (if applicable) as usual. Do NOT take any diabetes medications on the day of the scheduled exam.
IMPORTANT: Notify physician or nurse if you are taking medication for diabetes (oral or injectable) and/or anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Pradaxa, Heparin, Eliquis, Plavix, or Ticlid) for further instructions.
With any questions, please call us at 281.392.0425, or contact us through the Patient Portal.
For a printable version of these instructions (PDF format) click on this link.
Step 1
Please review general information about screening for colorectal cancer provided by the Center for Disease Control and entitled “Colon Cancer Screening.” Please also carefully read the document entitled “Colonoscopy.” It will provide you with information about the colonoscopic technique, its applications, and possible risks and complications of the procedure.
Step 2
Review the page on our website for preparation instructions by clicking here: Colonoscopy Prep.
Step 3
Your colonoscopy will be performed by Dr. Kevin Marks, an experienced gastroenterologist who has successfully performed thousands of colonoscopies.
Step 4
Please print and complete the “Pre-colonoscopy Patient Questionnaire.” After completion, please email the form to us at contact@pgkaty.com. If you cannot email, you can fax it to us at 281.392.0250. You can also mail it to us or drop it by the office in person.
Once we receive the questionnaire via email, fax, mail or in person, you will be contacted by one of our employees within 3–5 business days. They will complete the pre-screening process and answer any questions you may have at that time. Please remember that you will be examined by the physician performing your colonoscopy prior to the procedure. At that time you will have the opportunity discuss any remaining issues.
Appointment times vary, and can be booked within a few days to a few weeks from the time of the request, depending on volume, so please send in the information as soon as possible so we can accommodate your schedule.