A colonoscopy is a test that examines the colon for abnormalities and causes of underlying conditions. Doctors insert a small flexible tube with a light and camera attached into the rectum. The scope takes pictures of the colon, and the doctor may also obtain a tissue biopsy. To view the full colon the bowels must be empty of fecal matter. Children may experience side effects including gas and mild abdominal cramps after a colonoscopy. If the child was sedated or received general anesthesia, he may feel drowsy. Children's Hospital Boston encourages rest and relaxation the day of the colonoscopy, with normal activities resuming the following day.
Step 1
Do not let a child take medications containing iron one week before surgery, cautions the Royal Children's Hospital of Melbourne. Avoid foods with seeds and small pips, or seeds, four days before surgery as well, advises the hospital. These foods include whole grain breads, tomatoes, nuts and cucumbers.
Step 2
Follow the medical office's protocol concerning solid and liquid foods. A clear liquid diet is often only required one to two days before the exam, depending on the facility's protocol. A sugar-free, clear liquid diet is generally recommended the day before the exam, according to the National Guidelines Clearinghouse. Avoid all foods that are red or purple in color one to two days before the procedure; these foods may be mistaken for blood during the colonoscopy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Encourage the child to drink apple juice, lemonade, water or other clear liquids the day before surgery. Appropriate foods include lemon-flavored ice pops, clear chicken broth or gelatin. Caregivers should persuade the child to eat or drink every 45 minutes the day before surgery to flush the colon and decrease hunger, according to the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.
Step 4
Prepare the child by cleaning his bowels the day before the procedure. According to the National Guidelines Clearinghouse, children's sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, as well as polyethylene glycol 3350 are the oral medications mixed with water and commonly taken before a colonoscopy. Bowel movements are often immediate and occur within two to 15 minutes of taking the medications, according to Drugs.com. All formulations should be children's strength. Children's Hospital Boston recommends encouraging the child to drink the liquid medication by giving an ice pop to taste between each gulp of liquid. Adults should be aware that loose stools and diarrhea will be present after the child takes the medications.
Step 5
Avoid all foods the day of the procedure. The child may consume clear liquids or ice pops if permitted by the medical doctor, but the National Guidelines Clearinghouse recommends nothing by mouth for the eight hours before the procedure.
Tips and Warnings
- When the child drinks the medication from a straw, rather than by mouth, the unpleasant taste is not as noticeable, reports Children's Hospital Boston. Adults should thoroughly follow all colonoscopy preparation instruction to avoid having to repeat the examination because the bowel was unsatisfactorily cleaned. Starting medications early the day before the procedure avoids all-night bathroom sessions owing to loose and watery stools.
Things You'll Need
- Clear liquids
- Apple Juice
- Lemonade
- Water
- Ice pops
- Chicken broth
- Gelatin
- Children's sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate
- Polyethylene glycol 3350
