PROCEDURES - Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam of the colon. This test is commonly used to evaluate problems like blood in the stool, diarrhea and a change in bowel pattern. It is also the best test for colon cancer screening. Colon cancers typically start out as small growths called "polyps." Most polyps are benign, but some have the potential to become cancerous. If they are found during your colonoscopy, they typically can be removed during the procedure.

For five (5) days prior to the procedure, you should not take medications like aspirin, advil, aleve, arthrotec, celebrex, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meloxicam, mobic, motrin, naprosyn, naproxen, relafen, sulindac, or toradol. You also should not take plavix or coumadin. Talk with your cardiologist before you stop your plavix or coumadin.

You will receive detailed instructions about the colonoscopy prep from your doctor when you have your office visit. You can call the office if you have lost your instructions, or look under the "frequently asked questions" tab for the prep instructions.

The purpose of the prep is to fully clean out the colon, so that a complete examination can take place. Polyps are actually very small - a large polyp is only 1 cm in size (less than half an inch). If the colon is not completely clean, some polyps can be missed.

You should not eat or drink anything after midnight. You may have your medications the morning of your procedure with a small sip of water but do not eat or drink anything else.