Afternoon Colonoscopy Preparation - (Prof. Garas) - Version 6 - May 2022

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Afternoon colonoscopy preparation instructions for patients, detailing what colonoscopy is and how to empty the bowel using prescribed bowel-prep products to achieve clear to yellow liquid diarrhoea. Guidance covers what to purchase, what “good” and “poor” preparation look like, and what happens before, during, and after the procedure. The document also outlines common risks and safety steps, including driving restrictions, clothing and pickup arrangements, and follow-up instructions. It provides step-by-step timing from one week prior through the day of the test.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

What is a colonoscopy?

How to prepare for your colonoscopy

What bowel preparation to purchase

Good bowel preparation

Poor bowel preparation

During your colonoscopy

After your colonoscopy

Safety and risks of a colonoscopy

Important information

Preparation instructions

Step by step process

Side effects of the preparation

South Perth Hospital Endoscopy Unit 20 Fortune Street, South Perth WA 6151 Phone: (08) 9368 2333 Fax: (08) 9368 2300 Email: [endo.reception@sph.org.au](endo.reception@sph.org.au) Version 6 : May 2022 | AFTERNOON COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION
(PROF. GARAS) | | | | --- | --- | --- | | What is a colonoscopy
A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera at the tip is passed through the rectum into the colon. It allows the doctor to inspect the large intestine, take samples and remove polyps.
How to prepare for your colonoscopy
You must empty your bowel of all waste material by taking bowel preparation. The preparation causes diarrhoea.
What bowel preparation to purchase
3 Dulcolax tablets, 3 sachets of Pico Prep and 1 sachet of colonLYTELY. Purchase from a Pharmacy. A prescription is not required.
Good bowel preparation
Good bowel preparation allows the doctor to clearly seethe lining of the bowel. Once you complete the preparation described overleaf, you should be passing clear to yellow coloured liquid diarrhoea like this: | | During your colonoscopy
Before the procedure a light anaesthetic (sedative) is given. You may be slightly aware of what is going on in the room, but generally you won’t remember anything. A colonoscopy usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Once sedated and lying on your left side, the doctor inserts the colonoscope through the anus and guides it in to your colon.
If polyps are found during the procedure they will usually be removed using tiny tools passed through the colonoscope. Small tissue samples may also be taken for examination.
After your colonoscopy
You may feel some bloating because of the air introduced to your bowel during the procedure. There may be a trace of blood in your first bowel action if a sample was taken or polyps were removed.
Safety and risks of a colonoscopy
Your doctor will discuss the risks of the procedure with you and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
Serious complications from colonoscopy are rare, at less than one in a thousand examinations, however complications can occur such as:
􀁸 Intolerance of the bowel preparation with headaches and/or vomiting
􀁸 Reaction to the sedatives
􀁸 Perforation (a tear to the bowel lining)
􀁸 Major bleeding.
Important Information
􀁸 If you are also having a gastroscopy, there is NO additional preparation required. Please follow the instructions overleaf.
􀁸 Due to the medication you will be given, you must not drive or operate machinery until the following day.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital. You must arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you the night of your colonoscopy.
􀁸 Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing to hospital. Remove all jewellery and body piercings before coming to hospital.
􀁸 The outcome of your procedure will be discussed with you but due to the medication given, your recollection may be cloudy. You will be given a copy of your procedure report to take home. You will need to follow up with your referring GP.
􀁸 If you have any concerns or become unwell after your Colonoscopy you should present to your nearest emergency department and take your report with you. | |
Image: Optimal colour of diarrhoea with good bowel preparation |
Image: Lining of the bowel with good bowel preparation | | | Poor bowel preparation
If the bowel is not completely clean your procedure may have to be repeated. Potential complications can also occur, or small cancers could be missed. It is important that you finish taking all of your bowel preparation. Sometimes your diarrhoea can go clear, then brown again, before it clears again to a lemon coloured fluid. | | | |
Image: Colour of diarrhoea with poor bowel preparation |
Image: Bowel lining not adequately clean | | | Side effects of the preparation can be headache, abdominal cramps or bloating. A hot pack, walking, or simple analgesia such as paracetamol can provide

FAQs

What is a colonoscopy and what is it used for?

A colonoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to inspect the large intestine. Doctors can take samples and remove polyps during the procedure.

Which bowel preparation products are recommended and do you need a prescription?

The document recommends 3 Dulcolax tablets, 3 sachets of Pico Prep, and 1 sachet of colonLYTELY, purchased from a Pharmacy. A prescription is not required.

How should clear fluids and fasting work before the procedure?

The day before the colonoscopy, eat a light breakfast then stop all food from 9am, drinking only clear fluids until 9am the next day. Continue clear fluids after scheduled doses as instructed, and fasting from liquids begins from 10am as stated in the instructions.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Jake