Preparing for your colonoscopy
Bowel Prep
In order to have a colonoscopy you must undergo a mechanical bowel preparation that involves an oral laxative solution to cleanse the colon of faecal material. Please download your bowel preparation instructions below according to your treating doctor’s instructions - coming soon.
Open Access Endoscopy
Many doctors in our practice offer ‘Open Access Endoscopy’ – meaning you can meet your doctor on the day of the procedure to save you travelling to or taking time to undergo an initial consultation prior. This service is offered at the discretion of your referring GP or the treating Specialist after they review your referral and documented medical history. Open Access Endoscopy is particularly helpful for those patients with a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening program, or other well patients who are comfortable discussing their concerns with the doctor on the day of the test.
Day of Surgery Instructions
Endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy & colonoscopy) are typically performed as same-day procedures. You should allocate 2-3 hours in total for the procedure. You will need someone to drive you to hospital and pick you up following your procedure. Typically, you will need two days off work – one day during your bowel preparation when you need to be close to a toilet, and the day of the procedure. The procedure will be performed under a light anesthetic administered by a Consultant Anesthetist from the Anaesthetic Group Ballarat (AGB website link).
Your Results
The outcome of your procedure will be communicated to you on the day of the procedure and your referring doctor will also receive a report.
Early Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) - our multimodal perioperative care pathway
Early Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been designed to help you recover quickly and safely after your surgery. We recognise having major bowel surgery can be anxiety provoking and hope these guidelines help you understand and set your own expectations for your peri-operative care. They are general in nature and modified as needed on a case-by-case basis to ensure you receive personalised care, underpinned by the latest evidence in colorectal surgery.