• Insurance information

  • A referral from your GP/ Family doctor

  • A all medications that you are taking currently

  • A list of known drug allergies if any and symptoms you have from taking them.

  • An available escort to take you to and from your procedure

Please note: We cannot bill Medicare for any part of the procedure if you do not have a current referral.

Please note: NO PATIENT CAN ARRIVE IN A TAXI - NEED AN ESCORT THAT CAN STAY WITH YOU FOR THE NEXT 12 HOURS AFTER THE PROCEDURE.

PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

What preparation is required?

Depending on the procedure and the time it will be conducted, you will need to prepare.

Colonoscopy

For a complete and accurate result the colon must be completely clean. To assist these dietary restrictions apply. Detailed instructions are available to ensure a successful cleansing routine – this involves a special cleansing solution or several days of laxatives and clear liquids prior to the procedure.

Instruction sheets are dependent on the time of day that the procedure has been scheduled. Choose the instruction sheet based on the timing of the procedure -  morning,  afternoon or special preparation. If you need assistance with choosing the appropriate instruction sheet, please call or email us.

The success of your colonoscopy will depend on your large bowel being as clear as possible. If it is not clear the procedure may need to be repeated at a later date. To avoid this occurring, please follow the preparation instructions. Bowel preparation kits are available from the Centre for GI Health or the hospital for only $20 each.

Other Procedures

For the services listed below preparation requirements are as follows:

Gastroscopy - Fasting for 5 hours prior to the procedure. You cannot eat or drink anything for 5 hours before including water.

What do I need to bring to my procedure?

Attending an endoscopic procedure

There are several important points you must review before proceeding with your endoscopic procedure.

Please watch the video to find instructions on fasting, clothing, medical documentation and post-procedure preparations.

After an endoscopic procedure

All patients receiving a light anaesthetic for their endoscopy (Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy with sedation, ERCP) must have an escort to return them home. Patients will not be allowed to drive themselves at all for the rest of the day following their procedure but will be able to drive safely however the next day.

Please watch the video for further instructions for post-endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy

This is a limited endoscopic examination of the lower part of the large bowel and as such does not require formal bowel preparation. Please watch the video for further information about what to expect during a sigmoidoscopy procedure.

If you would prefer to be asleep for the test, you must:

1. Fast for the procedure (see link Fasting) 

2. Have an escort to drive you home as you will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day, it will be safe to drive however the following day (see Link After an endoscopy -what to expect)

Fasting

Patients are asked to fast for 5 hours before their scheduled endoscopic procedures.

Please watch the video for instructions on how to fast and why it is important.

Bowel preparation for a colonoscopy

If you are scheduled to have a colonoscopy (either as a single procedure or combined with a gastroscopy) it is essential to take all of the recommended bowel preparation as outlined in the links below.

The preparations are based on liquid purgatives or tablet laxatives and instructions will vary depending on whether your appointment is for a morning procedure or an afternoon procedure so please take note of your appointment time and call our office at GIH if you have any questions or remain unsure.

Please watch the video for instructions on what to do prior to attending a colonoscopy procedure.

Liquid Picolax preparation - morning procedures before 1:30 PM

If you’ve been scheduled for a colonoscopy appointment and will be required to take the liquid Picolax preparation, please watch the video for instructions on what to do.

Please note that Picolax is also known by several other trade names including Picosalax and Picoprep.

Before commencing the preparation please read the information set out in the links below and call our office on 97092777 if you have any questions:


Liquid Picolax preparation - afternoon procedures after 1:30 PM

If you’ve been scheduled for a colonoscopy appointment and will be required to take the liquid Picolax preparation, please watch the video for instructions on what to do.

Please note that Picolax is also known by several other trade names including Picosalax and Picoprep.

Before commencing the preparation please read the information set out in the links below and call our office on 97092777 if you have any questions:


Dulcolax Purgative Protocol for Colonoscopy

If you’ve been scheduled for a colonoscopy appointment and will be required to take the Dulcolax preparation, please watch the video for instructions on what to do.

Before commencing the preparation please read the information set out in the links below and call our office on 97092777 if you have any questions: