Colonoscopy
What is colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical examination where a doctor looks inside your large intestine and rectum to find out what might be causing symptoms like blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits, or ongoing stomach pain.
To do this, the doctor uses a soft, bendy camera tube that’s gently inserted through the bottom (or through your stoma if you have one). The images are sent to a screen, and you’re welcome to watch during the procedure if you’re curious. While looking inside, the doctor may also take small tissue samples or remove polyps if needed. It doesn’t hurt because the inside of the colon doesn’t have pain-sensitive nerves.
The exam usually takes between 20 and 60 minutes. Sometimes there’s a little waiting at the clinic, so it’s a good idea to allow some extra time just in case.
Prior to your examination
Preparing for a colonoscopy starts a week before the appointment. It’s very important that your bowel is completely clean, so the doctor can get a clear view. You’ll be given detailed instructions about what to eat and drink, and how to take the laxatives.
If the bowel isn’t clean enough, the colonoscopy might need to be stopped and booked again for another day. So the preparation really matters.
You don’t need to fill in any forms before your visit. When you arrive, we’ll ask about your general health and any stomach or bowel symptoms you might have. It helps to think about this ahead of time so you can answer clearly.
Before your visit, it’s also helpful to check your list of medications. The day before your colonoscopy, make sure you’re close to a toilet. If you’re able to work from home, that’s often the most comfortable option.
Health declaration (PDF)
Medication review (PDF)
During your procedure
When you arrive, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the bottom. You’ll also get medicine through a small plastic tube (canula) in your arm to help relax your bowel. If needed, the doctor may give you something to help you relax or manage pain. If that happens, you shouldn’t drive or work for the rest of the day.
The camera tube (called a colonoscope) will be gently guided through your rectum, following the natural shape of your colon. At first, the doctor uses water to help the instrument move smoothly and comfortably. Later, air will be used to gently expand the colon and give a better view of the lining.
You might notice some pressure from the air, or feel a little crampy or bloated during the exam. That’s normal and usually goes away quickly. The colon has natural bends, especially on the lower left side and near your ribs. It can feel a little uncomfortable when the scope moves through these parts, but you can always let us know if it hurts – the doctor can make adjustments or give more pain relief.
You’ll start the exam lying on your left side. Sometimes, we’ll ask you to shift to your back, stomach, or right side, depending on where the scope needs to go. The staff will help you with all movements during the procedure.
After your examination
The doctor performing the exam will try to give you an initial report right after. If tissue samples or polyps are taken, they will be sent for microscopic analysis – results may take up to 8 weeks. You’ll receive results by mail or phone.
Please note:
– You cannot see the doctor’s note via 1177 (Swedish healthcare portal). Contact us if you want a copy.
– If you were referred by your primary care provider, we’ll send the results to them as well.
– If you were given sedatives or painkillers, don’t drive or work the same day. You can resume normal activities the next day.
Bowel Preparation
You will use Plenvu and Toilax, which are available over the counter, so please purchase them in advance.
You will need purchase the following items in order to prepare for your colonoscopy:
• Plenvu, 1 pack (contains sachets 1, 2A, and 2B)
• Toilax, 1 pack (contains 4 tablets and 1 rectal suppository)
• Movicol – at least 8 sachets (or equivalent laxative)
It's advised to purchase the following items to help you through your preparation:
• Xylocaine ointment (for soreness) and/or a fatty cream like Bepanthen
• Oral rehydration solution (e.g., Resorb)
• Clear fluids, such as non-colored sports drinks or sparkling water
Drink plenty of fluids during bowel prep – it helps the laxatives work more effectively.
Important!
If your appointment is scheduled less than a week in advance, contact us for an adjusted preparation schedule. Contact us.
One week prior to your procedure:
Avoid foods high in fiber, including:
- Whole-grain bread, muesli, porridge, wheat bran, flaxseeds, whole-grain pasta/rice
- Omega-3 supplements and medications like iron tablets or bulk agents (Lunelax, Metamucil, Vi-Siblin, Inolaxol, Lactulose)
- Fruits and berries such as kiwi, citrus fruits, passionfruit, raspberries, lingonberries, grapes
- Vegetables with thick skins or seeds, such as tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, olives, asparagus, eggplant, corn
- Nuts and quinoa
You may eat normally up to two days before the examination.
Five Days Before the Examination
- Take 2 sachets of Movicol (or equivalent) each morning for 4 days.
- If you already use a laxative (e.g., Movicol): Continue until 5 days before the exam.
Make sure stools are soft – adjust the dose as needed.
Two days before your examination
Eat only easily digestible, preferably liquid food:
- Smooth, blended soups
- Yogurt or sour milk without chunks
- Creamy desserts, e.g., rosehip soup or fruit purée without seeds or pulp
- One day prior to your examination
One Day Before the Examination
08:00 O'CLOCK
- Take 2 Toilax tablets
Breakfast (before 10:00): Only liquid foods (gelatin, smooth applesauce, rosehip soup, seedless fruit purée)
Drink during the day: Only clear fluids (Water, clear broth, pulp-free juice (not red/blue), cordial, tea or coffee (max half a cup, no milk))
08:00 O'CLOCK
- Take 2 more Toilax tablets
- Mix sachet 1 of Plenvu with 500 ml water
- Prepare another 500 ml of plain water
- Drink the Plenvu mixture slowly along with the plain water within one hour
The day of your examination
You may continue drinking clear liquids up until your appointment.
05:00 O'CLOCK
- Mix sachets 2A and 2B of Plenvu with 500 ml water
- Prepare another 500 ml of plain water
- Drink both mixtures slowly within one hour
07:00 O'CLOCK
- Insert Toilax rectal suppository
TIPS!
You’ll need frequent bathroom visits – stay close to one.
Warm broth can help with hunger.
Keep hydrated with both sweet and salty fluids.
Laxative onset times:
Plenvu: 1–2 hours
Toilax tablets: ~6 hours
Rectal suppository: ~45 minutes
💡 Trouble with Plenvu? Try:
Chilling it and drinking with a straw
Sucking on a plain lozenge or a bit of honey beforehand
After your examination
Your colonoscopy is done – great job! Here’s what to expect afterward and how to take care of yourself
Common post-procedure symptoms
• Cramps or gas
• Bloating
• A bit of blood in the toilet (especially if polyps or biopsies were taken)
These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a day.
Food and Drink After Colonoscopy
Your bowel has been emptied, so your stomach might be sensitive:
Start gently
• Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy food the first day
• Begin with:
• Toast, boiled rice, or banana
• Clear soup or broth
• Boiled chicken or fish
• Unsweetened yogurt
Small meals – often:
• Eat small portions more frequently – easier on the stomach.
Hydration:
• Rehydrate with water, tea, broth, or oral rehydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours.
Be cautious with fiber:
• Fiber is great – just not right after a colonoscopy. Wait a few days before reintroducing whole grains, raw veggies, and legumes.
Meat?
• Choose light proteins like chicken or fish. Avoid red meat and fatty food until your stomach feels stable.
Probiotics:
• Want to help your gut recover? Try probiotics (unsweetened yogurt or supplements).
To get digestion going:
• Eat small, light meals
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take a short walk
⚠️ After Polyp Removal
If a polyp was removed (polypectomy), the bowel lining is more sensitive for a few days. Give it time to heal properly.
Avoid heavy lifting or intense physical activity for at least a week.
Follow specific instructions if you’re on blood thinners, based on your doctor’s recommendations.
This lowers the risk of complications or bleeding during recovery.
🚨 When to Seek Medical Help
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure and serious complications are very rare (less than 0.3% of patients). Mild symptoms like gas, cramping, or small amounts of blood in stool are common and harmless.
Contact healthcare immediately if you experience any of the following within a few days:
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever
• Heavy or ongoing bleeding from the bowel
• Black or bloody stools
• Bloody vomiting
• Dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue
Remember to mention that you recently had a colonoscopy and if a polyp was removed.