The doctor or nurse carrying out the procedure will look inside your bowel and may also remove polyps (small growths) or samples for testing. The procedure itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you will usually be able to go home about two hours later, after the effect of the sedation wears off.
Most colonoscopies take only 15-30 minutes to complete. As a reminder, most patients recall feeling minimal to no pain or discomfort during the procedure. After the colonoscopy is done, you will be observed in a recovery area until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.
The entire procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes. Thanks to the sedatives you were given, you'll likely sleep through the whole thing. Most patients don't remember anything from the actual procedure. If any abnormalities were noted during the colonoscopy, your doctor will discuss these with you after the procedure.
You can start eating regular foods the next day. Keep eating light meals if you are not able to pass gas and still feel bloated. For the first 24 hours after your procedure: Do not drink alcohol.
Take the day off: It is recommended that you take the day off work on the day of your procedure. You should not make any important decisions for the rest of the day following the procedure. You should not drive for the rest of the day. Pick up your prep at least three to five days before your procedure.
For your safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or power tools for at least 8 hours after getting sedation. Your doctor may tell you not to drive or operate machinery until the day after your test. Do not sign legal documents or make major decisions for at least 8 hours after getting sedation.
When will I stop moving my bowels? Most people stop moving their bowels about 2 – 3 hours after finishing the solution. People are different and some have liquid movements until the time of the procedure.
You may pass liquid and/or liquid stool after your colonoscopy but, within one to five days, your bowel movements should return to normal.
Some colonoscopies are done using gas and air as a patient preference, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded for a short period. After sedation, you may feel a little more tired for the rest of the day and will be advised to avoid driving for 24 hours, or operating any machinery and avoiding alcohol.
Everyone's experience is different, but you can rest assured that the colonoscopy itself is painless. You will receive anesthesia so that you don't feel pain or remember the procedure. Most centers use medications that stop working quickly. That means you shouldn't feel any lingering side effects.
Is it normal to have pain a week after a colonoscopy? No, any pain or discomfort after a colonoscopy should resolve in a day. If you are still in pain beyond a day after your procedure, contact your care team.
Even under deep sedation, you will not remain asleep for long: That effect usually wears off within 30 minutes of the removal of the IV. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, but walking could help relieve the discomfort.
For procedures that are scheduled to start after noon, it is okay to drink clear liquids (black coffee or tea without milk, water, Seven-Up, ginger ale or apple juice) until 5 hours before the start time of the procedure. You should still not eat any solid food after midnight the night before.
The effects of bowel prep medication can begin as soon as 30 minutes to an hour after your first dose, and can last up to 16 hours. Most people do not continue to experience diarrhea after they've gone to bed on the night before the test.
You might not have a bowel movement for a couple days after the procedure. When you do have your first bowel movement, you may notice a bit of blood. This is likely normal and isn't cause for concern.
Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
After a colonoscopy, choosing easy-to-digest foods can help your digestive tract recover and reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating. These include soft foods, cooked vegetables, and lean proteins. Foods to avoid after a colonoscopy include acidic fruits, fatty dairy, red meat, and raw fruit or vegetables.
The biggest culprits that will show up in a colonoscopy and obscure our view are foods like nuts, seeds and high-fiber cereals. You also want to avoid granola, coconut, dried fruit and fresh fruit with the skin on, like apples and pears, or fruit with seeds, like strawberries and raspberries.
This is a rough way to do it, but yes, you will have a very temporary weight loss of one to three pounds typically. But, just as with your bowel habits, these few pounds will return as well once you resume your normal diet.
Since air is introduced into the colon during the exam, it is common to experience gas or queasiness following the procedure. As a result, a patient may want to limit certain foods that could increase gas and intensify a queasy feeling.
Be thoughtful about when you schedule your colonoscopy.
The time of day can help to make prep easier too. Since you can't eat solid food on the day of your procedure, it may be a good idea to schedule your colonoscopy for the morning so you don't have to wait until the afternoon or evening to eat.
This chapter discusses the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment algorithm for the two most common complications of colonoscopy: perforation and hemorrhage.