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• An IV (intravenous) is put in a vein in your arm. Medicine to make you
relaxed and sleepy is put into the IV.
• You will lie on your left side. You may be asked to pull your knees up
toward your chest.
• The tube is slowly put into your rectum and into your colon. You may feel
an urge to move your bowels.
• Breathe deeply and slowly through your mouth to help you relax.
• When the tube is in place, air may be put into the colon through the tube.
• You should feel little pain during the test.
• The colon is checked and then the tube is removed.
After the Test
• Medicines given during the test will make you sleepy. You will need to
have an adult family member or friend take you home for your safety.
• You stay in the test area until most of the effects of the medicine wears
off.
• You may have gas after the test because of the air put in your colon.
• You can return to your normal diet after the test. If a polyp is removed,
your doctor may limit your diet for short time.
• You may have a small amount of blood from the rectum. This is normal.
• Test results are sent to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with
you.
Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
2/2008. Developed through a partnership of The Ohio State University Medical Center, Mount Carmel
Health and OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio. Available for use as a public service without copyright
restrictions at www.healthinfotranslations.com.