Colonoscopy

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and colon.
The procedure involves inserting a tube-shaped instrument through the rectal opening (or through the stoma opening if you have a stoma). The instrument sends images of the colon to a monitor. During the examination, tissue samples can be taken, and polyps can be removed if necessary. The examination time varies between 20–60 minutes. 

Please follow the instructions carefully. If the colon is not adequately cleaned, the colonoscopy may need to be interrupted and rescheduled for a later date.

Prior to your examination

Before the examination, we will ask you to complete a health declaration, which includes questions about your general health and any current gastrointestinal symptoms. This helps ensure a safe and thorough examination. Please fill out the health declaration and review your medication list prior to your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Health declaration (PDF)
Medication review (PDF)

During your procedure

A local anesthetic is applied to the rectum. For your comfort, we also offer sedative and relaxant agents, though these may temporarily impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Hence, you will not be able to drive any vehicle for at least 24 hours, so please plan your journey home in advance. During the procedure, air may be introduced, water sprayed, or debris cleared through the instrument, which may cause mild gas pressure or abdominal discomfort. Additional relaxation or pain relief can be administered through an injection in your arm if needed. You will start on your left side and may be asked to shift to other positions, such as onto your back, stomach, or right side, to facilitate a complete and thorough examination.

After your examination

After the procedure, the doctor will give you immediate feedback if possible. If tissue samples or polyps are taken, they will be sent for microscopic analysis, which may take up to 8 weeks. You will receive the results by mail or phone. Your medical records won’t be available through the online portal 1177, so please contact us if you wish to obtain copies. If your procedure was referred by a primary care clinic, your doctor will receive a report of the examination and results.

Important!
The day before the examination, ensure easy access to a restroom. If possible, working from home is recommended for your convenience. If you’ve received sedatives or pain medication, avoid driving or working the same day as the examination. You may resume normal activities the following day.

Bowel Preparation

You will receive a prescription at least one week before the procedure, which should be collected from the pharmacy. Once the prescription is ready, a confirmation text message will be sent to you. The prescribed medications, Plenvu and Dulcolax, are used to thoroughly cleanse the colon, ensuring a clear view of the colon wall for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you have hemorrhoids, fissures, or irritation/inflammation in the rectum, you may want to collect a prescription for Xylocain and bring it to the examination.

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.
If you suffer from constipation, take Dulcolax daily for five days prior, 2 tablets each morning.

Two days before your examination

At 8:00 AM:

  • Take 2 Dulcolax 5mg tablets.
  • Eat light, preferably liquid foods, such as pureed soup, custard, or yogurt.
  • Protect the skin around the rectum with a moisturizing cream, like Bepanthen.

One day prior to your examination

At 8:00 AM:

  • Take 2 Dulcolax 5mg tablets.
  • Eat a light breakfast before 10:00 AM, such as gelatin, fruit purée (without chunks), smooth applesauce, or rosehip soup.
  • Drink only clear liquids, such as water, broth without pieces, pulp-free juice (no red or purple colors), cordial, tea, or coffee (maximum half a cup).
  • No dairy products are allowed. Staying hydrated with fluids containing sugar and salt is recommended.

At 7:00 PM:

  • Take 2 Dulcolax 5mg tablets.
  • Mix Plenvu Dose 1 in a pitcher with water up to 500 ml.
  • Pour 500 ml of regular tap water in another pitcher.
  • Drink the Plenvu mixture and follow with 500 ml of water, preferably within an hour

At 11:00 PM:

  • Take 2 Dulcolax 5mg tablets.

The day of your examination

You may continue drinking clear liquids up until your appointment.

For appointemtents between 7:30am and 12:00pm:

At 5:00 AM:

  • Mix Plenvu Dose 2A and 2B in a pitcher with water up to 500 ml.
  • Pour 500 ml of regular tap water in another pitcher.
  • Drink the Plenvu mixture and follow with 500 ml of water, preferably within an hour.

At 7:00 AM:

  • Take Dulcolax rectal suppository (do not take this if you have rectal bleeding, inflamed hemorrhoids, or anal fissures).

For appointemtents between 12:00pm and 18:00pm:

At 8:00 AM:

  • Mix Plenvu Dose 2A and 2B in a pitcher with water up to 500 ml.
  • Pour 500 ml of regular tap water in another pitcher.
  • Drink the Plenvu mixture and follow with 500 ml of water, preferably within an hour.

At 10:00 AM:

  • Take Dulcolax rectal suppository (do not take this if you have rectal bleeding, inflamed hemorrhoids, or anal fissures).

TIPS!
The effects of Plenvu start within 2 hours, Dulcolax tablets within 6 hours, and Dulcolax suppositories within 45 minutes.
Expect frequent bathroom visits while drinking Plenvu.
Chilling the drink and using a straw may help.
Sipping water between doses is recommended for hydration and comfort.
You can also place a colorless lozenge or some honey on your tongue.
It’s good to drink plenty of fluids, both sweet and salty!

After your examination

Start slowly:
Begin with easy-to-digest foods and avoid heavy or fatty foods initially.

Hydrate:
Start with clear fluids like water, tea, broth, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine:
These can irritate the digestive system post-procedure.

Gradually reintroduce solid foods:
Begin with light, non-spicy options like boiled rice, boiled potatoes, plain yogurt, and steamed chicken or fish.

Be cautious with fiber:
Slowly add fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans to avoid discomfort.

Listen to your body:
Pay attention to how you feel. If any foods cause discomfort, take it easy and gradually reintroduce them as you feel readyStarta försiktigt