Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is a colonoscopy?

🔍 A colonoscopy is a test that lets the doctor look inside your colon (large intestine).

The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera to see the colon clearly.

❓ Why do doctors do a colonoscopy?

🩺 A colonoscopy helps doctors:

• 🔵 Find colon polyps

• 🎯 Look for a mass or tumor

• 🩸 Find the cause of bleeding

• 🔥 Check for IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

It can help find problems early and keep you healthy.

❓ What are colon polyps?

🔵 Colon polyps are small bumps that grow inside the colon.

• Most are harmless

• Some can turn into cancer over time

Doctors can remove polyps during the test.

❓ What is a colon mass?

🎯 A mass is a larger growth in the colon.

It may cause:

• Bleeding

• Belly pain

• Changes in bowel habits

Colonoscopy helps doctors see and biopsy the mass.

❓ Why is a colonoscopy done for bleeding?

🩸 Bleeding can cause:

• Blood in stool

• Low iron (anemia)

• Feeling tired or weak

Colonoscopy helps find where the bleeding is coming from.

❓ How does colonoscopy help with IBD?

🔥 IBD causes swelling and sores in the colon.

Colonoscopy helps doctors:

• See inflammation

• Check ulcers

• Take small samples (biopsies)

• See if treatment is working

❓ How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

📋 Preparation is very important.

You may need to:

• 🚫 Stop eating solid food

• 💧 Drink clear liquids

• 💊 Take bowel prep medicine to clean out stool

A clean colon helps the doctor see clearly.

❓ Will the test hurt?

😴 No. You will get medicine to help you sleep.

Most people:

• Feel no pain

• Remember little or nothing about the test

❓ What happens during the test?

⏱️ The test takes about 20–30 minutes.

• You lie on your side

• The camera checks the colon

• Polyps can be removed

• Samples can be taken if needed

❓ What happens after the test?

🛌 You rest until the medicine wears off.
You will need someone to drive you home.

You may feel:

• A little gas or bloating

• Sleepy for a short time

Your doctor will explain the results.

❓ Are there any risks?

⚠️ Colonoscopy is very safe.

Rare risks include:

• Bleeding

• Tear in the colon

• Reaction to medicine

Your doctor will discuss risks with you.

❓ When should I call my doctor?

📞 Call if you have:

• Severe belly pain

• Heavy bleeding

• Fever

• Dizziness

✅ Key Points to Remember

✔ Colonoscopy finds problems early
✔ Polyps can be removed right away
✔ It helps diagnose bleeding and IBD
✔ Good prep makes the test better

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Split Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy

1. What is a split bowel prep?

A split bowel prep means drinking the bowel-cleansing solution in two parts — one dose the evening before your colonoscopy and the second dose several hours before your procedure.
This method provides a cleaner colon and improves the accuracy of the exam.

2. Why is a split prep better than taking all the prep at once?

Studies show that split-dose preparation:

• Results in cleaner bowel visualization, especially in the right colon.

• Increases the detection of small polyps and adenomas.

• Reduces nausea and bloating compared to drinking the entire solution at once.

• Helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure.

3. When should I take the first dose?

Take the first dose of your bowel prep in the early evening (usually around 5–7 PM) the night before your colonoscopy.
Drink half of the total prep solution as instructed on your preparation sheet.

4. When should I take the second dose?

Take the second dose about 4 to 5 hours before your scheduled colonoscopy time.
You must finish the last glass of the prep at least 2 hours before your arrival time to the endoscopy center.
(Example: if your colonoscopy is at 9:00 AM, start the second dose at around 4:00–5:00 AM.)

5. What can I eat or drink before my colonoscopy?

• Two days before: Eat light meals (avoid high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, vegetables, and whole grains).

• One day before: Switch to clear liquids only — water, clear broth, Gatorade, apple juice, tea, black coffee (no milk or cream), and clear sodas.

• Do not eat any solid foods after starting your clear liquid diet.

• Avoid red, purple, or blue liquids — they can look like blood during the exam.

6. What counts as clear liquids?

Clear liquids include:

• Water

• Clear fruit juices (apple, white grape)

• Broth or clear soup

• Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)

• Tea or coffee (no milk or cream)

• Lemonade

• Popsicles (no red or purple)

7. How do I take the prep solution?

• Drink an 8-ounce glass every 10–15 minutes until half the prep is finished.

• For the second dose, do the same the morning of the procedure.

• It helps to chill the solution and use a straw to reduce taste issues.

8. What if I start vomiting or can’t keep the prep down?

• Stop for 30–45 minutes, then try drinking smaller sips.

• You can pause for short breaks but must complete the prep for an effective exam.

• If vomiting continues, call our office for further instructions.

9. How do I know if my bowel is clean enough?

You should be passing clear or light-yellow liquid with no solid pieces or dark stool by the end of the prep.
If not, call our office before your procedure — additional prep may be needed.

10. Can I take my regular medications?

• Morning medications: Take essential medications (like for blood pressure or heart) with small sips of water at least 2 hours before the procedure.

• Diabetes medications or blood thinners: You’ll receive specific instructions from your doctor before the procedure. Do not stop any medication without medical advice.

11. Can I drive after the procedure?

No. Because you’ll receive sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the colonoscopy. You cannot take a taxi or ride-share alone.

12. What happens if I don’t complete the prep?

If your bowel isn’t clean, the doctor may not be able to see the colon clearly.
Your colonoscopy could be incomplete or need to be repeated, which can delay diagnosis or treatment.

13. How can I make the prep easier?

• Chill the solution in the refrigerator.

• Suck on lemon wedges or hard candies between drinks.

• Use a straw placed at the back of your tongue.

• Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to prevent anal irritation.

• Stay near a bathroom once you start — bowel movements start quickly.

14. What should I do after the colonoscopy?

• You can resume your normal diet unless told otherwise.

• You may feel bloated or pass gas — this is normal.

• Do not drive or make major decisions for the rest of the day.

15. Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about your bowel prep, medication instructions, or your procedure time, please call:
📞 Austin Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic
Phone: 737 356-8875
Email: admin@austingiclinic.com
Address: 1513 E New Hope Dr, Unit E, Cedar Park TX 78641