Before the Exam
Before the examination the patient will change into a gown and will receive an injection to minimize discomfort. This medicine may make the patient drowsy for several hours. Before the procedure begins, the patient will most likely have to sign a permission form that states that they understand what the test involves. NOTE: If a patient is regularly taking narcotic painkillers such as Percodan®, Percocet®, or codeine, they should inform the anesthesiologist.(1)
How it Feels
Although colonoscopy is relatively painless, it can be uncomfortable. Patients may be given mild sedatives to help them relax. As the colonoscope is inserted into the colon, air is pushed into the patient through the tube, so the patient may feel the need to defecate. This feeling is normal, but if it persists, the physician should be informed so that more medication can be administered to the patient to help them relax.(2) (3) The procedure is described in more detail on the next page.
After the Exam
After the exam, the patient will be positioned on his or her left side on the colonoscopy table, which is comfortably padded. A small oximeter probe will be placed on the patient's fingertip to monitor pulse rate and breathing function during the exam if anesthesia was used. The probe is not invasive and does not cause any pain. In some cases, a narrow oxygen tube may be used to provide small amounts of oxygen to the patient.(1)
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