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General health information

Bowel endoscopy

An examination inside your bowel is usually called a colonoscopy. A doctor uses a flexible camera to examine the large bowel and sometimes the last part of the small bowel. Preparation varies between hospitals and is essential for a good examination. After sedation, you usually must not drive yourself. Call a doctor for severe abdominal pain, increasing bleeding, fever or feeling clearly worse after the examination.

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  • An examination inside your bowel is usually called a colonoscopy.
  • Preparation is at least as important as the examination itself. Without proper preparation, the doctor may not see parts of the bowel clearly.
  • Instructions about food, drinks, laxatives and medicines vary between hospitals. Follow your own letter exactly.
  • After sedation, you usually must not drive yourself or go home alone without the agreed support.
  • Severe abdominal pain, fever and increasing bleeding afterwards need prompt assessment.

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