Introduction
Colonoscopies are recommended for everyone after the age of 50. It is also recommended to have another one every 10 years. If you have a family member with Colorectal Cancer ** or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or if you have had a colon polyp or colon cancer before, you may need to have more frequent procedures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorectal Cancer is the 2nd highest type of cancer that kills in the United States. In 2004, about 147,000 cases of Colorectal Cancer will be identified in the United States. Of those, 56,700 will die of the disease. However, many cases could be prevented with regular testing.
What is a Colonoscopy?
 A Colonoscopy is a procedure where the doctor checks the rectum and the entire colon by using a thin, flexible tube inserted through the anus. If needed, biopsies or tissue and small polyp removal may be performed during the procedure.
Conscious sedation is a type of anesthesia given by doctors to make patients more comfortable. If you choose to receive conscious sedation, please bring a responsible person to drive you home.
Please talk about the benefits and risks of this important screening procedure with your doctor or nurse.
Patients, Please Note!
- Please call 305-575-7000 ext. 4008, 4009, or 6334 to confirm, cancel or reschedule your Colonoscopy procedure at least 10 days in advance.
- For further assistance, please call our local VA Care Line at 305-575-7030 or 305-575-7031. Or after hours, please call the VA 24 hour Regional Care Line at 1-888-276-1785.
- You must have someone responsible to drive you home! A sedative is normally given for this procedure. You must have someone to drive you home for you to get this medication. This person will also have to sign you out after the Colonoscopy.
- You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or take public transportation by yourself. If you do not have someone to drive you home, please contact your Social Worker or your Primary Care Team Liaison Nurse.
- The rectum and colon must be empty for this procedure! Please follow these instructions exactly or your procedure will have to be repeated. Instructions in Spanish
- If you do not receive your preparation materials in the mail, please call your primary care team pharmacist. You will come in to the hospital to receive the materials.
- You are only allowed to make Lab appointments for the same day you get the Colonoscopy.
For 7 Days Before the Procedure
- No aspirin or aspirin products (Naprosyn, Aleve, Motrin), iron or anti-inflammatory agents should be taken. You may take Tylenol to help the pain.
- No blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) or Plavix (Clopidogrel) should be taken.
- For questions about your medications and how to take them in relation to the procedure, please call your doctor or nurse, or call 305-575-7000, ext. 4008, 4009 or 6334.
The Day of the Procedure
- Use 2 Fleets enemas 20 – 30 minutes apart before coming to the hospital.
- Do not take Insulin, oral diabetes or blood pressure medicine the morning of the procedure.
- Please arrive one hour early for your appointment in order to begin preparing for the procedure. Go to the 7th floor, Room B704 and sign in with the clerk.
- If you have not received your appointment date and time, or if you have any other questions, please call 305.575.7000, ext. 4008, 4009, or 6334.
Colonoscopy Prep Sample Menu
Breakfast
1/2 cup Apple Juice
1 cup Fat-free Broth or Bouillon
Morning Snack
1/2 cup Clear Gelatin dessert++
Lunch
1/2 cup White Grape Juice
1 cup Fat-free Broth or Bouillon
1/2 cup Clear Gelatin dessert++
Afternoon Snack
1 cup Ginger Ale, Sprite or 7-Up
Supper
1/2 cup Clear Gatorade
1 cup Fat-free Broth or Bouillon
1 Popsicle++
++NO Red Gelatin (Jell-O), Popsicles
Additional Information on Colonoscopies
If you would like additional information regarding your upcoming Colonoscopy procedure, you may link to the following sites:
The Miami VA does not officially support the following sites:
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