Colonoscopy

• What is a colonoscopy?
• Prep #1: MiraLax or Glycolax-Pedialyte or Gatorade Colonoscopy Prep
• Prep #2: Prep for children under 8 years of age

What is a colonoscopy?

A COLONOSCOPY is a test where an endoscope is passed through the rectum and into the large intestine. Small samples of tissue (approximately the size of the tip of a pencil or a hang nail) are taken and the inner lining and tissue are visualized. The tissue samples are sent to a lab to be evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. Eating and drinking restrictions will be given to you by the nurse prior to the procedure. In order to visualize the bowel during the colonoscopy, the bowel needs to be empty of fecal matter and you will be given a bowel cleanout regimen prior to the procedure. Children under eight years of age will be admitted to the hospital the day before the Colonoscopy for the bowel cleanout. Children eight years of age and older may follow the bowel cleanout instructions given to families by the nurse at the time of scheduling. The nurse scheduling the procedure will explain the appropriate bowel cleanout regimen for your child. You or your child may experience excess gas and/or mild abdominal cramping after the procedure which is relieved as gas is passed. You or your child may be drowsy as an effect of the general anesthesia and should plan a quiet recovery at home for the remainder of the day. Normal activities may resume the following day.

Prep #1: MiraLax or Glycolax-Pedialyte or Gatorade Colonoscopy Prep

For patients able to swallow tablets and no younger than 2 years of age

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In order for the doctor to perform a colonoscopy a bowel cleanout must be completed at home prior to the procedure. A bowel cleanout is a combination of a clear liquid diet and an oral laxative called polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG, Miralax or Glycolax). Miralax or Glycolax can be purchased at your pharmacy with the prescription provided. You will also need to purchase 64 oz. of flavored Pedialyte (or Gatorade) and 3 BISACODYL (Dulcolax) tablets (available without prescription).

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

A low residue diet should be followed

ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

A clear liquid diet should be started one day prior to the procedure. A clear liquid diet consists of soda, juices without pulp, broth, Jell-O, Popsicles, Italian ice, hard candies (if age appropriate). Pretty much anything you can see through!! (NO dairy products or solid food) Please encourage your child to have something every 30-45 minutes. This will help to flush out the colon, keep your child well hydrated,and most important to your child, reduce the sensation of hunger. Avoid RED or PURPLE-COLORED drinks and jello.

At 4:00 pm the evening before the procedure mix the entire container of MIRALAX or GLYCOLAX in 64 oz. of pedialyte or Gatorade. Mix well. Drink 8-12 oz. of the Glycolax or MiraLax-Pedialyte or Gatorade mixture every 15-20 minutes until ALL 64 oz. ARE CONSUMED. It is very important that you drink all the MiraLax-pedialyte mixture within 6 hours.

After the Miralax or Glycolax-Pedialyte or Gatorade mixture is gone, take the 3 BISACODYL (Dulcolax) tablets with 8-12 oz. of clear liquid. The package instructions may direct not to take more than two tablets at a time, but for this preparation take three.

Clears until midnight - then nothing by mouth. NOT EVEN GUM OR HARD CANDY!!!

All menstruating females need to bring a sample of their first passed urine of the day with them to the hospital.

Do not take any ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or aspirin for 7-10 days prior to your procedure. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain relief.

On the morning of your procedure report to admissions. The endoscopy nurse will tell you what time to report. Admissions is located in the main lobby next to the Bijou Café’. The main lobby can be reached by entering the hospital at either 118 Hodge or 219 Bryant. Then you will take the elevators up to the 4th floor and follow the green footprints to the Variety 4 Procedure Area. If you have any additional questions or you wish to cancel or your child becomes ill please call our office at (716) 878-7359 Mon.-Fri. from 9am-4pm. If you cancel the weekend prior to or the morning of the procedure please call and leave a message at (716) 878-7047.

Prep #2: Prep for children under 8 years of age

For Patients Under 8 years of age

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COLONOSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS

Your son/daughter is scheduled for a colonoscopy at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo. In order for the doctor to perform a colonoscopy a bowel cleanout must be completed at home prior to the procedure. A bowel cleanout is a combination of a clear liquid diet and an oral laxative called MiraLax. MiraLax can be purchased at your pharmacy with a prescription that has been provided.

*Do not take any ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or aspirin for 7-10 days prior to your procedure. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any pain relief.

Two days prior to the procedure:

1) A low residue diet should be followed.

2) Give MiraLax or Glycolax: prescribed dose in juice or water by mouth three times a day. Glycolax or MiraLax cannot be given in milk or pop.

As a special note, Glycolax or MiraLax is supplied in a powdered form that is then mixed into 8 oz of fluid. The cap to the bottle of Glycolax or MiraLax is marked at 17 grams. There is an arrow extending from the top inside of the cap that points to the 17 gram level line. (If you are giving only 8.5 grams, then fill to only half of that line)

On the day prior to your procedure:

1) A clear liquid diet should be followed. A clear liquid diet consists of Soda, juices without pulp, broth, Jell-O, Popsicles, Italian ice, hard candies (if age appropriate). Pretty much anything you can see through!!

Please encourage your child to eat or drink something every 30-45 minutes. This will help to reduce the sense of hunger and keep your child well hydrated. During any bowel cleanout it is important that your child stay well hydrated.

2) Give Glycolax or MiraLax: prescribed dose in juice or water by mouth three times a day. Glycolax or MiraLax cannot be given in milk or pop.

On the morning of your procedure:

1) Nothing by mouth after midnight. Not even GUM or CANDY!

Check in to Admissions at designated time. Admissions is located in the main lobby next to the Bijou Café. The main lobby can be reached by entering the hospital at either 118 Hodge or 219 Bryant. Then you will take the elevators up to the 4th floor and follow the green footprints. If you have any additional questions or you wish to cancel or your child becomes ill please call our office at (716) 878-7793 or (716) 878-7359 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you cancel the weekend prior to or the morning of the procedure please call and leave a message at (716) 878-7047.