5 tips to make your colonoscopy more comfortable

Colonoscopies are one of the most common procedures in Australia, with more than 900,000 of them performed each year. But did you know more than 60,000 colonoscopies can be cancelled or unsuccessful because of poor preparation?¹

Many people who've had a colonoscopy say the preparation is the most challenging part of the procedure, but it's essential to ensure your colonoscopy is successful.

A colonoscopy is a common procedure which uses a camera to examine changes in the colon.

Your GP might refer you for a colonoscopy if you have symptoms that need investigating, or if you have a family history of colon or other cancers.

During the procedure, polyps (growths of tissue which are often benign or may develop into cancers over time²) can be removed and biopsies of abnormal tissues can be taken.

Your treating team and hospital will give you all the medical details you need to prep for the day, so it's important to follow their specific instructions, including how to manage your diet and any medicines you might be on. If you are on regular medications, it's important that you talk to your care team in advance, so you have a clear plan about if and when you need to stop taking them. But there are a few other things you can do to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

It's generally recommended to start a bland 'low residue' diet, free of nuts, seeds and most fruits and vegetables 3 days before your procedure. This is to help clear your bowel of any traces of fibre that can hang around and make it harder for the camera to get a clear image. Your care team will provide you with a list of foods you are allowed to eat or need to avoid during this timeframe.

While 3 days of white bread and meat might sound alright, it could cause some constipation (especially if you usually eat a high fibre diet). Keep yourself regular by drinking lots of water and eating from the 'allowed' list of fruits or vegetables that your healthcare professional has provided. It's important to follow your specialist's instructions, and if you have any diet related questions you should contact your specialist.

The day before your procedure, you'll need to start taking the prep drink (a strong laxative) that clears your bowels. This coincides with a period of fasting. Refer to the instructions provided by your treating team for the specific time to start your prep drink and fasting. The prep drink is usually 3 doses over about 10 hours (refer to the timing provided by your specialist), with plenty of water in between.

Many people find the prep hard to drink because it tastes unpleasant. Using a straw is one way to help bypass some of your tastebuds. Another trick is to serve the prep cold, which can also help to mask the taste. If the packaging says the drink needs to be made with warm water, prepare it in advance and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours so it's cold when you need it. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and provided by your specialist.

The prep's job is to clear your bowels, which means you'll have diarrhoea. The need to move your bowels may come on quickly and urgently, so once you start taking the prep drink it's best to stay home and close to the bathroom. Drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you're losing and prevent dehydration. This can also help keep you feeling full during your fasting period. Refer to the instructions provided by your specialist to determine when you need to cease all fluids prior to your procedure.

Following the procedure, and for a few days after, you may feel tired while the anaesthetic is wearing off. You won't be able to drive home after the procedure, so ask a family member or friend if they can pick you up. While you may feel physically able to work and return to normal activity, your body might need a bit more time to rest. Sleep when you get home and take it easy for at least 24 hours, avoiding alcohol and any strenuous work or activity.

Between the bland diet, the fasting and purging period and the procedure, your body and bowels have been through a lot. It's a good idea to avoid spicy or very rich food in the 24 hours post procedure and stick to foods that are easier to digest. Remember, it can take a few days for your bowel habits to return to normal, and it's important to drink lots of water to replace lost fluids.

Always follow the advice of your healthcare team to prepare for any surgical procedure.

Bowel Cancer Australia provides guidance and information on how to prep for a colonoscopy.

Bowelprep.au allows you to enter the exact date and time of your procedure and helps you track your diet and when to drink your prep.