Before colonoscopy: Do you need to fast?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Xuan Cuong - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Colonoscopy is one of the most effective methods for preventing or early detection of related diseases such as ulcers, colorectal cancer... Before colonoscopy, there are a number of things that need to be done. do such as: remove enemas, clean the intestines before colonoscopy...

The rectum is the last part of the large intestine, about 20 to 30 centimeters in length, and serves as a bridge between the anus and the colon. The main function of the rectum is to store waste and participate in the elimination process. Due to many factors, the rectum is susceptible to diseases such as ulcers, rectal polyps, rectal cancer... To diagnose and detect diseases in the rectum, there are many different methods such as X-ray-scanning. Optical and some other expensive methods. However, the most effective and accurate method is colonoscopy.

Rectal endoscopy is a method that uses a small, flexible endoscope with a camera and light attached to the body, without damaging the rectal mucosa. The image during the rectal endoscopy will be displayed directly on the screen. This method is always highly appreciated by experts in detecting diseases in the rectum. In addition, the cost of the method is also moderate, meeting the economic conditions of many patients.
Basically, rectal endoscopy is a procedure aimed at detecting pathology. Early detection also makes later treatment simpler and more cost-effective. Therefore, patients need to choose the right time for endoscopy.
Patients may be indicated for rectal endoscopy when one of the following signs is present:
Abdominal pain below the navel or left side abdominal pain Passing out fresh blood is also a danger sign that should be endoscopically to detect Early symptoms Diarrhea (loose stools) or unusual constipation Burning pain in the anus, anal canal or outside the anal canal with signs of abnormal discharge Abnormal signs on X-rays or computerized tomography of the colon People who have had colon polyps, colon cancer or have a family history of the diseases mentioned above should also undergo colonoscopy to screen for the above symptoms. It could be a sign of dangerous diseases in the rectum. Patients need rectal endoscopy as soon as possible to detect the disease early.

The colonoscopy procedure is usually very quick and does not take much time. However, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare for your colonoscopy, specifically you will need to clean your bowels before the colonoscopy. You will be instructed to clean your colon using an enema that is inserted into your anus to remove the enema.
Here are some things to prepare before having a colonoscopy :
Tests and self-cleaning of the colon Before the colonoscopy, the patient needs to do some blood tests as well as receive medication to do rectal cleansing (fecal enemas) at home. For the most detailed instructions on how to clean the intestines before colonoscopy, patients should contact the hospital where they visit for advice. The rectal cleansing process may last until you get to the hospital. Therefore, to be best prepared, you should bring more adult diapers and extra clothes.
Adjust the diet before the endoscopy About 3-4 days before the endoscopy, the patient should eat a light meal, use low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods such as bread, rice, seedless fruits and vegetables, no shell, lean meat, eggs. Avoid foods such as: high-fat foods, hard fruits, popcorn, cereals, fruit with skin or seeds, broccoli, peas, etc. At the same time, juice should be avoided. , soft drinks and vitamins, iron pills or other supplements. Should stop using stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, beer to avoid falsifying endoscopy results.
About 1 day before the endoscopy, the patient should eat liquid, soft, easy to digest food, drink plenty of water and avoid colored drinks such as green, red and purple (beets, gac ..) Colored foods can make it harder for your doctor to see your colon.

About 2 hours before the endoscopy, the patient is not allowed to eat or drink anything, absolutely fast before the endoscopy.
Choice of colonoscopy Currently, there are 2 types of endoscopy for patients to choose from:
Painless rectal endoscopy (anesthesia endoscopy) Recoscopy without anesthesia. If endoscopic anesthesia is chosen, the patient needs to arrange an accompanying person to assist in returning home after the procedure to ensure safety. Preparing carefully before a colonoscopy can be inconvenient, but you should remember: This is a smart choice to take care of your own health. The better prepared you are, the more clearly your doctor can see your rectum and the quicker the colonoscopy will be.
Gastrointestinal cancer screening is a scientific and effective measure to detect gastrointestinal cancer early (esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer) and provide a good treatment plan. best. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of screening and early detection of colon cancer that combines clinical and paraclinical examination to bring about the most accurate results possible. Colon cancer screening and early detection package includes all the necessary tests to help detect colon cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
When registering for Colon Cancer Screening and Early Detection Package, customers will receive:
Gastroenterology Specialist Examination (by appointment) Perform tests such as: Complete colonoscopy with NBI endoscope , under anesthesia Diagnostic colonoscopy with flexible bronchoscope (with NBI machine, with anesthesia). Master. Doctor Dang Xuan Cuong received intensive training in the field of emergency resuscitation and poison control at Hanoi Medical University and Bach Mai Hospital. With 14 years of experience in the field of emergency resuscitation and poison control, Dr. Cuong Nguyen is the Head of Functional Exploration Department, Deputy Head of Emergency Resuscitation Department, .. at Hai Duong Provincial General Hospital and participates in lectures. Clinical teaching at Hai Duong University of Medical Technology. Currently, Dr. Cuong is an Emergency Resuscitation doctor at Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.