Colonoscopy - Examination & Scheduling a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the lining of your colon using a flexible tube with a camera on the end.
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to evaluate problems such as blood loss, abdominal or rectal pain and changes in your bowel habits.
Medication will be given through an IV to help you relax and minimize discomfort. While lying on your left side, the colonoscope is advanced through the colon. The physician may take biopsies (tissue samples) if any abnormal tissue is found, such as a polyp. If a polyp(s) is found, the physician will attempt to remove them.

SCREENING: A screening colonoscopy is an initial exam meant to check for polyps, cancer and/or inflammatory disease; such as ulcerative colitis.
SURVEILLANCE: A surveillance colonoscopy is a follow-up for patients with a history of colon polyps, cancer and/or inflammatory bowel disease.
DIAGNOSTIC: A diagnostic colonoscopy is done to check for certain medical conditions such as anemia, change in bowel habits or abdominal pain.
It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage for this benefit.

Call your pharmacy to determine if a colon prep prescription has been sent.
If you do not have a prescription, please call: Mason City Surgery Center at 641-494-2000.
Ask to speak to a nurse regarding your colon prep prescription.

Arrange for a driver for the date of the procedure.
You will not be allowed to drive, take a taxi or a bus home as you will receive sedation during the procedure.
Plan to be at the appointment for several hours and possibly longer.
Time of arrival will be determined closer to the date of the procedure and will be given to you during the Pre-procedure phone call.
The time of your procedure may change.
Please do not make other plans for the day of your procedure.

Blood thinners are to be held for a recommended number of days prior to your colonoscopy.
Determine with your prescribing physician when to stop any prescribed blood thinners. Do NOT stop any medications without talking with your prescribing physician first. Examples are, but not limited to:
- Coumadin/Jantoven (Warfarin)
- Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
- Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
- Plavix ( Clopidrogel)
- Ticlid (Ticlidopine)
- Effient (Prasugrel)
- Eliquis (Apixaban)
- Zontivity (Varapaxar)
- Brilinta (Ticagrelor)
You may continue Aspirin.
Iron is to be stopped for one week before your colonoscopy.
Diabetics on Insulin: Please contact your physician who prescribes your insulin to get instructions regarding your insulin. Check your blood sugar level every 6 hours the day prior and up to your procedure.

Avoid food that is difficult to digest such as :
- Raw fruits or vegetables
- Seeded/pulpy fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, corn and beans
- Nuts and popcorn
Purchase clear liquid beverages/foods to consume the day prior to procedure
If you have a history of constipation, you may want to take Miralax 1 capful as directed twice daily until the day prior to the procedure

Call your pharmacy to determine if a colon prep prescription has been sent
If you do not have a prescription, please call:
- Mason City Surgery Center at 641-494-2000
- Ask to speak to a nurse regarding your colon prep prescription
If your colon prep is Suprep - click here for instructions.
If your colon prep is Nulytely - click here for instructions.
If your colon prep is Miralax - click here for instructions.
If your colon prep is SUTAB - click here for instructions.
If your colon prep is SUFLAVE - click here for instructions.

You MUST drink all of the prep
Walking and drinking additional clear liquids will improve prep results
If you are unable to drink the entire prep (due to nausea/vomiting)
If you have completed the prep and your bowel movements are not clear or light yellow
- Call the Mason City Surgery Center at 494-2000:
- we may have you arrive earlier than your scheduled time to give medicine to help with the nausea or to drink additional prep to further clear the colon so the procedure does not have to be cancelled.

Colonoscopy Information