Other than the preparation and clear liquids, nothing should be taken after midnight prior to the test. There will be some variation in preparation instructions. I encourage patients to review these instructions carefully with the nurse prior to leaving the office, and call back with any additional questions. If you are taking medications, the timing of stopping and restarting, in relationship to the colonoscopy, should be discussed. A colonoscopy can be performed in an outpatient area of the hospital, an ambulatory surgery center, or the physician's office.
Careful evaluation is made of the appearance of the lining of the small intestine.
Areas suspected of being inflamed are biopsied. A biopsy is accomplished by passing a small instrument down a separate channel in the colonoscope, allowing for a sampling of tiny pieces of tissue for evaluation under the microscope. A patient receiving sedation for a medical procedure requires close monitoring. All patients receive a small amount of supplemental oxygen through tiny plastic prongs placed in front of the nose. The above combination of medications provides the patient with significant pain relief along with anti-anxiety properties.