A colonoscopy is a specialized exam used to look for abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy allows a physician to view the lining of the intestines on a camera. Before a colonoscopy, people must undergo a specialized preparation involving laxatives, enemas and a special diet in order to clear the colon prior to viewing.
Procedure
During a colonoscopy, the patient will be placed on a table. An anesthesiologist will give the patient a sedative to induce a sleeplike state. The physician will insert a long, flexible tube into the rectum. A tiny camera on the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon. The physician has the ability to insert another instrument into the tube to remove abnormal growths called polyps for a biopsy of the intestinal lining, according to MayoClinic.com.
Time Frame
MayoClinic.com explains that preparation for a colonoscopy starts approximately 24 to 72 hours before the exam. The day before the exam, physicians often give patients a laxative, in pill or liquid form, to help clean out the colon and rectum. Patients often choose to stay home from work or daily activities in order to stay close to the restroom. Patients' medications may need to be adjusted a week before the test if the medication must be taken with foods. Physicians may also recommend enema kits to help cleanse the colon. The patient will follow a clear liquid diet the day before the exam as well.
Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet is used before many tests, surgeries or procedures that require no food in the stomach or intestines. In some cases, physicians use clear liquid diets to help relieve certain digestive conditions such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or to handle inflammation such as pancreatitis, according to MayoClinic.com.
Acceptable Liquids
The term clear liquid diet can often confuse people. In actuality, the color of the liquid is not as important as the ability to see through the liquid. Though people should avoid liquids that appear red or purple so as not to confuse the test results, patients can drink coffee, tea, certain sports drinks, strained fruit juice, fat-free bouillon or broth, gelatin and water.
Considerations
Physicians most often use a colonoscopy as a cancer screening. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that failure to adhere to the clear liquid diet can cause debris and waste to remain in the colon, obscuring the view of the camera making the test results unusable.
