Colonoscopy

Coloscopy
This is an examination in which a flexible probe (colonoscope) provides a colour image of the inside of the colon. A colonoscope can also be used to take tissue samples and perform minor procedures.

Bowel preparation

As food residues can significantly obstruct visibility during a colonoscopy, the bowel must be fully cleansed to ensure an efficient and safe examination.

Preparation at home

If you are admitted to hospital (hospitalisation)

The instructions will differ depending on the time of your appointment.

Procedure

Duration: around 30 minutes, longer if a treatment is performed.

  • You first lie down on the examination table.
  • You are then given a sedative through a vein.
  • You are usually positioned on your left side, sometimes the right.
  • The nurse may press on your abdomen to help move the tube forward.
  • After the examination, you will stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 hours until the sedation wears off.

A colonoscopy is usually not painful. You may temporarily feel bloated or experience cramps.

Complications

A colonoscopy is a very safe procedure. Your doctor will explain any potential complications in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Regardless of the time of the examination, always have your last light meal the day before the examination at 16:00.

You may drink up to four hours before your colonoscopy appointment.

Fasting means that you must not eat or drink anything. This means: no liquids from four hours before the examination, and no food from 16:00 the day before.

Jelly refers to jam without pieces of fruit, seeds, or pips. All flavours are allowed.

Both round and square white hard biscuits are allowed, but no wholemeal hard biscuits. White bread (with or without crust) may also be toasted to make toast.

If you have allergies, consult a dietician to be safe.

If you are vegetarian, get your protein in the days before the colonoscopy from dairy products, unprocessed meat substitutes, cheese and eggs.

You may eat immediately after the colonoscopy, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Take part A at 18:00 and the second part six hours before the colonoscopy.

If your appointment is before 13:00, you may take the first Moviprep® at 18:00 and the second four hours later. If your appointment is after 10:00, this is not possible.

Price

Last edit: 30 june 2025