Procedure Preparation

There are multiple types of bowel preparation available, so it is important that you know which brand your doctor has recommended.  If you’re unsure, please contact our staff for further advice.

Download Picosalax instructions below:

*The PDF instruction has been updated recently. The AM and PM instructions from the video will differ slightly so please read the PDF instructions carefully.

IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION PRIOR TO A GASTROSCOPY AND COLONOSCOPY:

If the Day Surgery has not called you by 2 pm on the day before the procedure date so as to inform you of the exact time you are expected to arrive at the day surgery, then you must call the day surgery directly to enquire about your procedure start time and expected arrival time to the day surgery. The phone numbers for the day surgeries are:

  • Double Bay Day Hospital: 02 9096 3100
  • Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital: 02 8372 3260
  • Chris O’Brien Lifehouse: 02 8514 1376 (Lifehouse contacts patients between 3-7pm the day before)
  • Prince of Wales Private: 02 9650 4302 (POW contacts patients after 4pm the day before)
  • Liverpool Day Hospital: 02 9601 4488
  • Drink a lot of clear fluids on the day before the procedure; avoid all seeds, grains, nuts and skins; and keep as mobile as possible.
  • Always take all your prescribed blood pressure medications, even on the day of the procedure
  • Stop all iron supplements for at least 1 week prior to procedure
  • Stop all vitamins and health food supplements for at least 1 week
  • If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke, “mini stroke” (TIA) OR if you have stents WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS, you MUST make an appointment with the doctor performing your procedure PRIOR TO PROCEEDING.
  • Do NOT drink alcohol the day before your procedure.
  • You MUST arrange an escort to accompany you home.

MEDICATIONS:

IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC:

(a) New Oral hypoglycaemics (e.g. Jardiance, Jardiamet, Forxiga & Xigduo): Omit 2-days prior to & on the morning of the procedure
(b) Insulin plus any injectable diabetic medication: INSTRUCTIONS TO BE RECEIVED BY THE DOCTOR PERFORMING YOUR PROCEDURE
(c) Oral hypoglycaemics (e.g. Diabex, Diaformin, Metformin & Janumet): Omit on the evening prior to & on the morning of the procedure

IF YOU ARE TAKING ASPIRIN ONLY:

a) If you do not have stents and have never suffered a heart attack, stroke or “mini stroke” (TIA), you should stop aspirin 5 days before your procedure.
b) If you have previously suffered a heart attack, stroke, “mini stroke” (TIA) OR if you have stents, DO NOT STOP aspirin.

IF YOU ARE TAKING CLOPIDOGREL ONLY:

(a) If you do not have stents and have never suffered a heart attack, stroke or “mini stroke” (TIA), you should stop Clopidogrel 7 days before your procedure.
(b) If you have previously suffered a heart attack, stroke, “mini stroke” (TIA) OR if you have stents, STOP Clopidogrel 7 days before the procedure & REPLACE with low-dose aspirin. Restart Clopidogrel 5-7 days after the procedure if specimens taken, or as instructed by the doctor who is performing your procedure

IF YOU ARE TAKING ASPIRIN PLUS ANOTHER BLOOD THINNER SUCH AS Plavix, Co-Plavix, Piax, Iscover or Brilinta:

(a) If you have had coronary artery stents inserted within the last 12 months, then – DO NOT STOP BLOOD THINNERS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE and DISCUSS WITH THE DOCTOR WHO IS PERFORMING YOUR PROCEDURE.
(b) If you have had coronary artery stents or any other stent inserted MORE THAN 12 months ago, then use low dose aspirin ONLY. STOP taking Clopidogrel/Ticagrelor one week prior to your procedure.

IF YOU ARE TAKING WARFARIN:

(a) In most cases, warfarin should be stopped 5 days prior, but some may require a replacement medication during this period to prevent clotting. Please discuss with the doctor who is performing your procedure.
IF YOU ARE TAKING New Oral Anti-Coagulants such as Eliquis, Xarelto and Pradaxa:

(a) These should generally be stopped 1-3 days prior to the procedure and restart 7 days after your procedure, or as instructed by your doctor. Please discuss with the doctor who is performing your procedure.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE:

  • Do not wear jewellery and do not bring valuables to the day surgery/hospital.
  • You will be at the day surgery approximately 2-3 hours from the time of admission to discharge.
  • The recovery nurse will contact your escort half an hour prior to your planned discharge to advise them.

DISCHARGE INFORMATION

  • Your escort will need be directed to recovery to collect you
  • You will be given post-op instructions at the time of your discharge from the day surgery. Please follow these instructions.
  • You should rest at home for the remainder of the day.
  • You can return to a normal diet.
  • Do not drive a car, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24-hours after the procedure. If you drive, your insurance will not cover you for any accidents incurred during these 24-hours.
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