What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum using a so-called colonoscope, a flexible instrument with a camera.
The examination is done to carefully examine the inside of the intestine, detect changes, inflammations, polyps or early signs of colorectal cancer. During colonoscopy, the doctor can take small tissue samples (biopsies), remove polyps directly and treat minor bleeding if needed.
Before the examination, a thorough bowel preparation with a laxative solution is required so that the intestine is completely clean – this is the most important thing for the examination to give a safe and good result.
Blood thinning medications
If you are being treated with blood thinning medication, it is important to read the information below carefully.
If tissue samples need to be taken during the examination, the risk of bleeding is increased if this medication cannot be discontinued before the examination. The number of days you must be without the medication varies depending on the drug.
Please contact the doctor responsible for prescribing blood thinners as soon as possible and consult about this.
Preparation with laxatives
Choose the laxative you have been prescribed to see detailed instructions.
PLENVU
Preparation starts 3 days before the examination.
Dose 1 – Mango flavor
DOSE 1 (Mango flavor) – start between 4-7 PM the day before the examination:
• Mix Dose 1 of Plenvu in 500 ml cold water. Stir until the powder dissolves and the liquid clears slightly (may take 6-8 minutes!)
• Drink about 100 ml plain water before starting
• Then drink the Plenvu solution along with at least 500 ml water or clear liquid
• Drink all liquid within 1 hour
Dose 2 – Tutti-Frutti flavor
DOSE 2 (Tutti-Frutti flavor) – start 5 hours before your scheduled examination time:
• Mix Dose 2 of Plenvu (sachets A and B) in 500 ml cold water. Stir until dissolved
• Drink about 200 ml plain water before starting
• Then drink the Plenvu solution along with at least 700 ml water or clear liquid
• Drink all liquid within 1 hour
• Continue drinking clear fluids right up until the examination
VISTAPREP
Preparation starts 7 days before the examination with dietary adjustments.
Examination before 10 AM
For examinations before 10 AM: Drink the entire solution (4 liters) the evening before, starting at 3 PM.
Examination after 10 AM
For examinations after 10 AM: Drink 2 liters the evening before (starting at 7 PM) and 2 liters on the morning of the examination day (starting at 5 AM).
Important information
During the examination, tissue samples are sometimes taken for microscopic analysis. They are stored in a Biobank for possible future needs. If you do not want the samples to be stored, please inform us during the examination.
For more information see www.vardgivarguiden.se.