Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy, also called coloscopy, is an endoscopic examination of the colon.

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What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy examines the large bowel. A flexible tube is inserted through the anus, allowing the doctor to inspect the entire colon for any abnormalities. During the examination, the doctor may take biopsies (small samples of the bowel lining) or remove any polyps straight away. These biopsies and/or polyps are then examined further in the laboratory.

Preparing for the examination

Because the colon must be completely clean, you need to prepare before a colonoscopy. To assess the bowel properly, the doctor must not be hindered by any remaining stool.

It is therefore important to follow the preparation instructions as closely as possible. The preparation starts three days before the examination and also includes taking a bowel preparation (laxative) to fully cleanse the bowel. During the pre-assessment consultation, we will go through the preparation with you step by step.

The examination

A colonoscopy is performed under sedation. After the examination, you will rest for a while on the ward.

Aftercare

The examination itself is very safe. Very rarely, a colonoscopy may cause bleeding or a perforation. In the exceptional event that bleeding occurs, it can almost always be treated with a local endoscopic procedure. Very rarely, surgery is needed.

If you have bleeding or sudden severe pain after the examination, go to the emergency department immediately, even if this happens a few days later. In that case, stop eating and drinking straight away.

Frequently asked questions

3 days before the examination

It is important that you follow a low-fibre diet. You will find the detailed guidance in the brochure below.

1 day before the examination

  • At 6 pm: have a final light meal.
  • At 7 pm: dissolve the first Moviprep dual sachet in 1 litre of cold water and drink it all (about 1 glass every 15 minutes). Moviprep is available without a prescription.
  • Also drink at least 1 litre of clear fluids (water, coffee or tea without milk, no carbonated drinks).
  • From then on, stay sober. This means you should not eat, but you can drink. Do you have any questions? Please contact us.
  • If you vomit, you can take Primperan or Motilium. 

Day of the examination

  • Do not eat, drinking clear fluids is allowed.
  • You may take your morning medication.
  • Dissolve the second Moviprep dual sachet in 1 litre of cold water and drink it all within 1 hour.
  • Drink at least 1 more litre of water.

Do you take medication? If so, please bring your full medication list with you to the hospital. On the morning of the examination, you may take your medication with a sip of water. Please also complete the sedation form (patient questionnaire) you were given and bring it with you to the hospital.

From the evening before the examination, you must not eat anymore. On the morning of the examination, you must stay fasting, but you may still drink clear liquids.

You may not drive your own car home that day. It's best to ask if someone can pick you up.

Information brochure

Colonoscopie (190.77 KB)

Departments

Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact the department of gastroenterology.

Gastroenterology

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Call for an appointment 011 69 96 00