What is Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the large bowel known as the colon. The colonoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the tip which relays the picture to a video monitor. An alternative method for looking at the bowel is Barium Enema but Colonoscopy is more accurate. Unlike barium enema Colonoscopy can take biopsies and remove polyps.

Preparation for your Colonoscopy.

For optimal colonoscopy the bowel must be empty and clean so that we can see and not miss any problems present. You can come to the Centre to pick up the bowel washout or you can buy it from the Chemist and follow our instructions in the link preparation. Inform us if you have a tendency to constipation as you may need extra.

It is important to tell us if you are on Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin. Iron tablets must be stopped 3 days before the test otherwise the staining will prevent a good view of the bowel. Diabetics should also notify us in advance. Important medications eg. Blood pressure pills can be taken with a small sip of water.

You will be asked to fill in 2 forms and bring them on the day (you may download these forms by clicking on the appropriate link to the left) You will also be asked to sign a consent form to say you wish to proceed with the test and understand it's complications. If you have any important medical problems or are unsure if you need the test or wish to discuss the test before the procedure day, you can have a consultation with Dr Hing or Shew some days before the test.

You must arrange for someone to take you home after the test otherwise you will not be given sedation. In view of sedation used you can not drive a car until the next day.

What happens during Colonoscopy and Afterwards?

A sedationist will give you a mild sedative by a small cannula in the back of your hand. It will make you drowsy and affect your memory for 10 minutes or so.
It is not the same as a general anaesthetic.
The colonoscope is carefully manoeuvred from the anus to the caecum, approximately 1 meter long. Sometimes it is not safe to get all the way around to the end of the bowel as it is too long and 'loopy', some people are just born this way. Air is pumped into the bowel during the test, this can cause some wind pains after the test.

If needed, photographs or tiny biopsies can be taken . Polyps ( growths from the lining of the bowel) can be removed with a wire loop which cauterizes the base of the polyp. The tissue is then retrieved for pathological analysis. You cannot feel this being done, it is advisable to remove polyps as they can be precursors of bowel cancer. When you sign the consent form for colonoscopy you will also be signing for polyp removal if necessary. For more information on polyps (see the section on 'Patient Education).

The colonoscopy takes 30 minutes or so then you are taken to the recovery room to rest until you are fully alert.

Once you are fully awake you will return to the waiting room where you are given a drink. The doctor will talk to you about what was seen but the biopsy results take a few days to return. Follow up either with the specialist or general practitioner will be advised. A Patient Satisfaction Survey to see if we can improve our service will be offered to you to fill in.

After you leave the clinic: you may find your memory of what happened is poor from the sedation used, if you can not remember your talk with the doctor ring him the next day or make an appointment to come back. Because of this sedation you must not drive a car until the next day as your reflexes will be dulled and judgement impaired, also do not operate machinery or sign any important legal documents. You may return to work the next day.

In the rare event you have any untoward symptoms after the test you must let us know immediately or seek another doctors advice. Things to watch for are: persistent severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever or bleeding. Take the endoscopy report with you if you see a different doctor.

Safety and Risks

With any medical procedure complications can happen. For inspection of the bowel alone, complications of Colonoscopy are uncommon, occurring in 1 in 3,000 tests or so. The most important risk is perforation (making a hole in the bowel) which may need an operation to repair. Major bleeding is rare but can occur after polyps have been removed. A reaction to the sedation can occur but all patients are monitored closely, a mask gives oxygen and a small finger probe records the pulse rate. This risk is increased in patients with heart and breathing diseases. A number of rare complications can occur after colonoscopy and can be discussed if you wish.

It is important to also weight up the risk of not having the test, such as missing a serious problem that can be treated as soon as possible.

Are the instruments adequately cleaned?

All equipment used for Colonoscopy is disinfected or steam sterilized according to guidelines set by the New South Wales Health Department, Standards Australia and The Gastroenterological Society of Australia. All equipment is serviced regularly as documented in our Quality Management system.


You can expect to be at the Centre for 3 to 4 hours, we can telephone the person taking you home when you are ready to leave.

In order for us to dedicate as much time as necessary for each procedure, as there may be unexpected findings, we ask you to be patient if we are running behind time. You may wish to bring some reading material.

You must confirm your appointment with us by telephoning (02) 9387 1738, as procedure times may have been re-arranged.

• Bring your referral
• Bring your Medicare card/Health Fund card/Pension, DVA or HCC
• Bring the 2 completed admission forms
• Nothing to eat or drink including water for at least 6 hours before the test
• No driving until the next day, have someone take you home
• Do not wear nail polish
• You will be here appeoximately 3-4 hours
• A cancellation fee may apply if we don't have 48 hours notice of cancellation - Tel. 9387 1738.