Frequently Asked Questions and more information
The Internal Medical Group
Orange County Gastroenterologists
Learn about colonoscopy from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Colonoscopy (click for video)

1. How can I prep better for colonoscopy?
A good prep helps ensure a more accurate and quicker procedure.  A low residue diet (no raw fruits or vegetables, and minimal high fiber
foods) is recommended 2-3 days prior to prepping.  Please avoid fiber supplements during this time too.  Start a clear liquid diet the day
of the preparation.  Follow the instructions as directed by your physician.  We recommend chilling the prep fluid so that it is more
palatable. Flavor packets and powdered sugar free drinks such as Crystal Light are fine to add to the prep.  Make sure to drink plenty of
other clear fluids to stay hydrated.  For anal irritation from multiple bowel movements, petroleum jelly can help soothe the anus.  Make
sure to have a bowel movement a couple hours to the procedure to help evacuate any residual liquid and residue.  You cannot have
anything to eat or drink at least 6 hours before your exam.  

2. What can I eat/drink during the prep day?
You can have clear liquids. Clear liquids include anything you can see through. Such things are: water, tea, coffee (without milk), clear
soda (Sprite, 7Up), broth, strained fruit juice, popsicles, and Jell-O. Do not ingest red liquids.  Do not eat or drink anything past midnight
the night of the prep.

3. How clear should I be?
To ensure an accurate exam, your stool needs to be clear water with minimal residue particles. The color may vary from a clear fluid to a
yellow tinge. Be sure to continue evacuating up to a few hours before the examination.

4. Which of my medicines are ok to take prior to the colonoscopy or EGD?
Most medicines are safe to take even up to 2-3 hours prior to the procedure with small amounts of fluid.  However please check with your
physician prior to stopping any medication.  Medicines to watch for are: 1. Medications that can promote bleeding should be held 5 days
prior to the procedure These medicines include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, cox-2 inhibitors (i.e. Celebrex, Mobic), warfarin (coumadin),
dipyridamole (Aggrenox), clopidogrel (Plavix), heparin (Lovenox injections).  2. Diabetic agents such as sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide)
should generally be held, and insulin doses should generally be decreased by 50% starting the day of the prep.  3.  Iron tablets should be
held one week prior to the procedure as they can interfere with the prep.  

5. What can I expect during my endoscopy or colonoscopy?
When you come on the procedure day, make sure someone drives you to the site as you will be sedated and will not be allowed to drive
yourself home.  Please allow 30-45 minutes for check-in prior to the stated time of the exam.  Exam times may or may not start precisely
at the stated time due to other scheduled patients having their procedures performed.  The length and complexity of each individual exam
is not predictable and we thank you for your patience.  An endoscopy nurse will check you in, review your history and medications, and
insert an intravenous (IV) line into your arm for medications.  Your physician will meet with you briefly before you are sedated for your
exam.  

6. What happens after my procedure?
After the procedure, you will be brought to a recovery area where your family members will meet with you.  The physician may discuss
your results briefly, but more thorough explanations may require an office visit. Mild amnesia may occur after the examination due to the
anesthetic medications which will disappear from your system soon after the exam. Complications are rare, but can occur.  Bleeding,
infection, and perforation of the GI tract are infrequent events with these safe and routine procedures.  Gas and mild bloating after the
exam is common after the procedure due to use of air infusion during the exam.  A tiny amount of rectal bleeding can happen after
biopsies and polyp removals, but a large amount of  bleeding requires immediate attention.  Severe abdominal pain, fever, shortness of
breath, chest pain are also reasons to seek urgent or even emergency care.  Contact your physician immediately should you experience
these things.

Of course, should you have any specific questions that remain unanswered,
please do not hesitate to call us. (714) 996-3700
Learn about EGD from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
EGD - upper endoscopy (click for video)