It’s no secret that many patients dread getting a colonoscopy, but not for the reasons you might think. During the procedure itself, patients are safely sedated and typically drift into a comfortable, dreamlike state. In my experience, it’s the preparation the day before that patients find to be the most challenging part.
Fortunately, colonoscopy preparation has improved significantly over the years. Today’s options are much more manageable than what patients may remember or have heard about in the past.
What to Expect the Day Before a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy really involves two parts: the day before the procedure and the day of the procedure itself. The goal of the day-before preparation is to completely clear the colon so it can be carefully examined for pre-cancerous polyps or other abnormalities.
The day before a colonoscopy, patients follow a clear liquid diet for the entire day. Approved liquids typically include items such as ginger ale, chicken broth and sports drinks like Gatorade. Later that evening, patients will take a laxative prescribed by their clinician, which may come in liquid or pill form, followed by water.
While this part of the process can be uncomfortable, the laxatives used today are far easier to tolerate than those prescribed years ago. I always remind patients that although the preparation may be inconvenient, it is a short-term effort with long-term health benefits. Choosing to complete the prep properly is an important investment in your health.
What to Expect the Day of a Colonoscopy
Once the preparation is complete, it’s time for the colonoscopy itself. When patients arrive at the outpatient facility, they are greeted by a nurse, changed into a gown and given an IV.
Before the procedure begins, patients meet with both the anesthesiologist and the clinician performing the colonoscopy. After addressing any final questions, the patient is brought into the procedure room, given sedation and gently falls asleep. The colonoscopy itself typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
By the time patients wake up, most feel relaxed, rested and free of pain or discomfort. I often hear patients tell me afterward, “That was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.”
Although the two-day process may seem daunting, colonoscopies remain the gold standard for evaluating the colon. If a polyp is found during the procedure, it can often be removed right away, effectively eliminating the risk of that polyp developing into colon cancer. That’s why I strongly encourage eligible patients to undergo screening and not let fear of the preparation prevent them from taking this important step for their health.
Bryan Burns, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Northeast Medical Group. He practices in Trumbull and at Bridgeport Hospital.
