Preparing for your colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a visual examination of your large intestine and rectum, otherwise known as your colon, using a tiny, high-resolution camera and light source on a flexible, thin, tube-like device. Find out more here.

It’s very important that your bowel is completely clear of any solid matter for your colonoscopy to be successful. You must follow the instructions given to you and maintain clear fluids only as directed the day before the procedure. You must let Moonee Valley Specialist Centre know of any medical conditions and medications they are on as they may require special instructions to deal with this.

Briefly, the day before your colonoscopy you’ll take a laxative preparation. Therefore, we recommend you spend the day with easy access to toilet facilities. You must stop smoking and drinking fluids 4 hours before the scheduled colonoscopy and, obviously, you can’t eat anything.

Please wear warm, loose comfortable clothing to your appointment. Bring any medications you need, healthcare documents and payment methods. Also, feel free to bring reading material, your iPad or iPod as entertainment during any waiting periods.

After you are sedated using a mild anaesthetic, a routine colonoscopy takes about 20 to 45 minutes. This is followed by a recovery time of 1 to 2 hours. Therefore, please expect to be at the centre around 3 hours.

Due to the lasting effects of the sedative medication, you must not drive a vehicle, travel unaccompanied, work, drink alcohol or sign legal documents until a day after your colonoscopy. Please pre-arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure and drive you home. We will call them on your behalf to let them know when you’re ready to go home.

If you think you may be pregnant, please tell your doctor before booking a colonoscopy.

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1003 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, VIC, 3040

Call us now

Call us now

03 9372 0372

Email Us at

Email Us at

reception@mvscentre.com.au