Common Conditions

Colonoscopy: Pre-Operation

You may be required to come into hospital a few days before admission, for any special tests (such as X-rays, blood tests etc) that I or a member of my team have requested. You will be sent instructions on how to empty the bowel completely prior to the procedure. The commonest reason for the procedure to fail is inadequate preparation of the bowel. Please follow the instruction that you are sent 'to the letter'.

On admission to the ward you will have your details checked and have some basic tests done, such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure and urine examination. You will be asked to hand in any medicines or drugs you may be taking, so that your drug treatment in hospital will be correct. Please tell the nurses of any allergies to drugs or dressings. I, or a member of my team, will check that all the necessary preparations have been made. You will be asked to sign a consent form. The form signifies that you know and understand why the procedure is required and what it involves.

The timing of your procedure is usually arranged the day before. The nurses will tell you when to expect to go to the operating theatre. Do not be surprised, however, if there are changes to the exact timing. The order of the list is usually on the basis of medical priority. Just because you are not 'first' on the list does not mean that you are unimportant.

You will walk or be taken on a trolley to the operating suite by a ward nurse and a theatre porter. There will be several checks on your details on the way to the anaesthetic room.