Interní Med. 2014; 16(5): 210-212

How to prepare a patient for colonoscopy

MUDr.Jiří Cyrany, Ph.D.

2. interní gastroenterologická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Hradec Králové, Univerzita Karlova v Praze,

Lékařská fakulta v Hradci Králové

The colonoscopy is an effective diagnostic method for colorectal diseases. Its importance both in diagnostics and therapy of premalignant

and early malignant changes is growing recently. Efficacy and safety of colonoscopy depend on adequate preparation of the

patient – the bowel cleansing being the most important. There is a spectrum of bowel cleansing agents available in the Czech Republic

today with comparable efficiency and variable safety. A dietary restriction and an adequate liquid intake are essential parts of the bowel

preparation. The planning for a colonoscopy comprises also an evaluation of patient overall status and procedure risk. Indications of

antithrombotic therapy as well as a spectrum of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are growing and this therapy has to be often

modified before an endoscopic procedure. On the other hand, indications for the antibiotic prophylaxis before colonoscopy are limited.

The colonoscopy is maximally effective and safe only for properly prepared patient.

Keywords: colonoscopy, bowel preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, anticoagulation therapy

Published: November 1, 2014  Show citation