General points to remember

The hospital cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property during your time on these premises. 

If you have any problems with a persistent sore throat, chest or abdominal pain or bleeding please contact your GP immediately informing them that you have had an endoscopy.

If you are unable to contact or speak to your doctor, you must go immediately to the casualty department. If your symptoms persist or worsen, go immediately to casualty. 

It is our aim for you to be seen and investigated as soon as possible after your arrival. However, the department is very busy and your investigation may be delayed. If emergencies occur, these patients will obviously be given priority over less urgent cases.

The hospital cannot except any responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property during your time on these premises.

Dietary instructions for colonoscopy preparation

Low fibre diet 

Fibre is the indigestible part of cereals, fruit and vegetables. Please commence a low fibre diet 2 days before your procedure. 

Foods allowed 

Lean, tender lamb, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, offal, bacon, lean ham, fish, Yorkshire pudding, pancakes; bread sauce; clear and puréed soups; potato (no skins), boiled and mashed; tomato pulp (no skins or pips); fruit juice (if tolerated); pastry made with white flour, white bread, white flour, cornflakes, rice krispies, icing smooth biscuits, eg: Marie, Osborne; spaghetti and pasta; white rice, crisps; rosehip syrup, Ribena; sugar or glucose in small amounts; boiled sweets, toffees; plain or milk chocolate; shortcake, cream crackers, water biscuits; sponge cake, Madeira cake; ice cream, iced lollies; plain or flavoured yoghurt; jelly marmalade; honey, syrup; tea and coffee (without milk) and fizzy drinks. 

Foods to be avoided 

Wholemeal, wheatmeal, granary bread, wholemeal flour; bran biscuits, coconut biscuits; all cereals containing bran or whole wheat, eg; shredded wheat, bran flakes, bran buds, muesli; digestive biscuits; Ryvita, Vita Wheat, oat cakes, etc. 

To enable a more effective examination, we would be grateful if you would take a clear fluid only diet for the period of time stated on the attached appointment letter.

Fluids allowed 

Twenty-four hours before your examination you should take clear fluids only (no food): 

Tea (no milk), black coffee, water, strained fruit juice, strained tomato juice, fruit squash, soda water, tonic water, lemonade, oxo, Bovril, marmite (mixed into weak drinks with hot water), clear soups and broths, consommé.

 In addition 

You may eat clear jellies You may suck clear boiled sweets and clear mints. You may add sugar or glucose to your drinks. 

Fluids not allowed 

Drinks or soups thickened with flour or other thickening agents