Rectoscopy and colonoscopy are performed at our Proctology Clinic, where patients with problems in the lower intestine come to seek medical help. The examination usually involves proctoscopy, for which no special patient preparation is required. If the doctor finds it necessary to examine an upper part of the intestine (rectoscopy, colonoscopy), you will be given instructions beforehand.
Rectoscopy
Rectoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the lower part of the large intestine. Before the examination, the lower part of the large intestine needs to be cleaned, which is achieved by two Dulcolax suppositories. They are given to the patient in advance. The day before the examination you can eat as usual. In the evening, insert the first Dulcolax suppository into the rectum. The second suppository must be inserted on the day of the scheduled examination, i.e. two hours before coming to the clinic. Try and keep the suppository in your rectum for 15–20 minutes. The day following the examination, you will be able to resume your normal diet.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is usually requested by a proctologist after the examination. It is important to note that for this examination, patient preparation is required: a nurse will call you and provide you with all the information and instructions regarding the preparation.
Colonoscopy is an encoscopic examination of the lower digestive tract, i.e. the large intestine, and is considered necessary when there is any unexplained bleeding or traces of blood in the stool, unexplained anaemia, irregular bowel movement, sudden constipation, alternating periods of diarrhoea and constipation, unexplained abdominal pain, growling stomach, flatulence, unwanted weight loss, hereditary taints of colon cancer, etc.
Patient Preparation
At least a week prior to the colonoscopy, you will need to stop eating small-seeded fruit and other grains (grapes, kiwi fruit, figs, wholegrain bread, etc.) You will also be asked to skip blood thinners such as aspirin for up to ten days before the procedure. However, please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule. You may continue taking all other medications until the final cleaning of the colon. Afterwards, you may resume taking your medication as usual.
On the day before the examination, the patient is required to follow a clear-liquid only diet consisting of tea, water and broth. In the afternoon, the patient is advised to drink 2 l (almost 4 pt) of Donat Mg or other mineral water with a mild laxative effect, containing significant quantities of magnesium and sulphates. On the day of the examination, the patient is advised to drink 2–3 l of salt water flush within two hours (drink each litre in 20 minutes). The cleansing has been successful once your stool is watery (it may be yellowish, yet without solid pieces). In case that you encounter major problems after drinking the salt water flush, you may switch to drinking Donat Mg or a similar alternative; however, this must be agreed upon beforehand with your doctor.
Results: Please bring your blood test results to the examination. The results should not be older than one week.