This information leaflet has been produced to give you general information and hopes to answer most of your questions after having a CT Colonoscopy. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.
What to expect after your CT Colonoscopy?
At the end of your examination, you will be able to get dressed and leave the hospital.
Please return to your normal eating and drinking patterns.
The diarrhoea caused by the oral preparation you took before the examination may have resulted in slight dehydration. To reduce this effect, we recommend you drink plenty of fluids for the following two to three days. The carbon dioxide used to inflate your bowel will be absorbed quite quickly following the procedure; however, some minor abdominal discomfort may remain for one to two hours. Returning to your normal diet and moving around will help ease any remaining discomfort.
Pain relief medication may be taken, if required.
Please seek urgent medical advice via your GP if you experience any of the following symptoms over the next four days:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Increasingly painful abdominal discomfort
- Sweating and nausea
- Feeling generally unwell
During your examination you may have been given a muscle relaxant drug called Buscopan, used to relax the muscles in the bowel wall. A dry mouth and blurring of vision can be a side effect of this injection, although this is usually for a short period of time (about 30 minutes). If you do experience this, please make sure your vision has returned to normal before driving or operating machinery.
In very rare cases, the Buscopan injection can cause an eye problem called narrow angle glaucoma. Therefore, if you develop a pain or redness of the eyes over the next 24 hours you must report immediately to Accident & Emergency.
Buscopan may also increase your heart rate significantly. This will wear off over the next hour after the injection. If this symptom persists, please report immediately to A&E.
How do I find out the results of my scan?
The doctor who asked us to perform your test will receive your results, which is usually within seven days. The hospital will contact you with a follow-up outpatient appointment. If after three weeks they have not contacted you, please contact the hospital switchboard on (0191) 482 0000 and ask to speak to your consultant’s secretary.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the CT Department or radiology nurses on (0191) 445 2094.