Information about your examination
A colonoscopy is performed using a thin, flexible instrument called a colonoscope, which transmits images from inside the bowel to a monitor. During the procedure, it is possible to remove polyps (polypectomy) or collect tissue samples for biopsy without the need for surgery.
Colonoscopy is generally a painless procedure. The main discomfort you may feel is a sensation of abdominal bloating, due to the air introduced into the bowel to allow for proper expansion and detailed examination.
You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down, lie on the examination table on your left side, and you will be covered with a sheet. A flexible intravenous (IV) catheter may be placed in your right arm and remain in place throughout the procedure. This allows for the administration of light sedation, pain relief, or antispasmodic medication, if needed.
Additionally, a small device resembling a clip may be placed on your finger to monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen levels during the exam. Oxygen may also be administered if deemed necessary.
The procedure usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. During the examination, you may be asked to change position a few times.
How to prepare
If you suffer from constipation, avoid vegetables, legumes, and high-fiber foods for 5–6 days before the procedure.
If you are taking anticoagulant medication, you will need to stop it four days prior to the examination. Please consult your doctor to prescribe an alternative treatment if necessary.
You will need to obtain one box of Fortrans, which contains four sachets of the preparation.
The day before the examination
Avoid all solid food and consume only clear liquids. You may drink tea, chamomile, black coffee (without milk), and packaged juices (e.g., apple, pineapple). Do not drink fresh juices or red-colored juices (such as pomegranate, cherry, sour cherry, strawberry, etc.).
At 2:00 PM on the day before your examination, begin the preparation by dissolving one sachet of Fortrans in one liter of water or juice.
Repeat this process every two hours, using one sachet each time (each sachet in one liter of liquid).
The preparation should be completed by 10:00 PM.
You will use a total of four sachets, meaning you must consume four liters of water or juice in total.
On the day of the examination
You may drink one glass of water up to three hours before your scheduled appointment.
If you have difficulty consuming plain water, you may substitute it with packaged juice (such as pineapple or apple).
Natural juices and milk are not allowed.
After the examination
Driving is not permitted for three hours after the procedure.
When and how you will receive your results
You will receive the results of the colonoscopy immediately after the procedure.
If tissue samples have been collected for biopsy, the Reception will inform you about the expected date of the histology report.