Personalized schedule

Personalized recommendations for patient preparation for a colonoscopy procedure

Quality bowel preparation for a colonoscopy procedure ensures more accurate examination results, which include both diagnosis and therapy.

Instructions:

From seven to four days before the procedure:

Eating requirements
  • A special diet must be followed. *
Medication use
  • For patients with diabetes, medication use must be coordinated with their family doctor.
  • It is not recommended to use:
    – diuretics;
    – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, etc.);
  • Antiaggregants (Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, etc.) and anticoagulants (Orfarin, Warfarin) must be discontinued, in consultation with the family doctor;
  • Other medications may be taken as usual.

From three to two days before the procedure:

Eating requirements
  • Continuing to follow a special diet, consume finely ground or liquid foods;
  • On the evening two days before the procedure, have the last light meal (by 8:00 PM).
Medication use
  • Continuing to follow the above instructions, discontinue the use of iron supplements, activated charcoal, and anticoagulants (Pradaxa, Xarelto, Lixiana, etc.).

One day before the procedure:

Eating requirements
  • Do not eat!
Medication use
  • Continue to follow all the above instructions.
Bowel cleansing agents

At 6:00 PM, the first dose of the bowel cleansing agent must be taken (to be consumed within two hours).

In case of constipation or unsuccessful previous bowel preparation, 2 additional micro enemas must be used – one in the evening before the procedure and the other on the day of the procedure, four hours before the start.

On the day of the procedure:

Eating requirements
  • No eating is allowed until the start of the procedure!
Medication use
  • Continue to follow all previously mentioned instructions;
  • Patients who regularly take heart and blood pressure regulating medications must be sure to take them;
  • Medication use must be stopped four hours before the procedure.
Bowel cleansing agents

Six hours before the procedure, the second dose of the bowel cleansing agent must be taken (it should be consumed within two hours).

If the journey to GASTRO takes several hours, the last dose of the bowel cleansing agent must be completed at least 4 hours before the planned departure to GASTRO.
Throughout the entire bowel preparation and cleansing period, unlimited amounts of still water may be consumed. On the day of the procedure, water intake must be stopped four hours before the procedure.

* Special diet:

  • Foods that MAY be consumed:

    – White bread (without nuts, seeds, or added fiber), white bread crackers, crackers, white rice, most pasta;
    – Pancakes and waffles made from white flour;
    – Meat (poultry, beef, pork) without skin or tendons;
    – Fish;
    – Eggs;
    – All types of dairy products;
    – Butter, margarine;
    – Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard (without whole mustard seeds), oils;
    – Chocolate spread;
    – All kinds of juices and other drinks, except plum and other thick juices.

  • Foods that MUST NOT be consumed:

    – All types of whole grain products (whole grain bread, grain bread, whole grain pasta);
    – Brown and wild rice;
    – Oatmeal and other cereal flakes, couscous, quinoa;
    – All types of vegetables;
    – Peas, beans, and lentils;
    – Fresh fruits and berries, dried fruits and berries;
    – Peanut butter and other nut butters;
    – Flaxseeds, bran, and other fiber-rich products.

Information for the patient before the procedure

  • When going for the examination:

    – Bring your passport or ID card;
    – Bring the referral from your family doctor and the results of previous examinations;
    – Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the examination;
    – Leave at home anything that is not essential, especially jewelry and watches.

  • Remember:

    – The procedure is performed under anesthesia;
    – It is advisable for the patient to be accompanied by someone (especially important for elderly people);
    – Driving is not allowed for 12 hours after the procedure;
    – Proper bowel preparation is an important prerequisite for the successful completion of the procedure.