Colonoscopy in Perth
Colonoscopy: Common questions answered by Dr Callum Pearce
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Colonoscopy preparation
Preparing for your colonoscopy
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
What can I eat before a colonoscopy?
Before the procedure, you’ll follow a low-fibre diet. This means avoiding things like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables. The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll switch to clear liquids only. This includes water, clear broth, black tea or coffee (no milk/cream, no sugar), electrolyte drinks, apple juice, and jelly (not red or purple).
What should I avoid before the procedure?
In the few days leading up to the procedure, avoid foods that are hard to digest such as nuts, seeds, corn, and foods with skins or husks. On the day before the procedure, you must avoid all solid foods and stick to clear liquids only.
Can I drink coffee before a colonoscopy?
Yes, you can have black coffee; just no milk, cream, or sugar. Once you’re on the clear liquids, black tea or coffee is allowed right up until your fasting time.
Do I need to fast?
Yes. You’ll stop eating solid food the day before the procedure and only have clear liquids. You’ll also need to stop drinking anything a few hours before your appointment; we’ll confirm your fasting time when you book.
How do I take the bowel prep?
Bowel prep is a special drink that helps empty your bowel so we can get a clear view during the procedure. It usually comes as a powder you mix with water. You’ll take it in two parts: one the evening before, and the other on the morning of your colonoscopy. The drink causes diarrhoea, which is expected. We’ll give you clear instructions so you know exactly when and how to take it.
Do I stop my regular medications?
You can usually continue most medications, but there are exceptions, particularly for blood thinners or diabetes medication. We’ll go over this with you in advance and give personalised instructions.
Colonoscopy procedure
On the day of your procedure
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
What happens on the day of a colonoscopy?
When you arrive at the clinic, you’ll check in and meet our nursing team. We’ll go over your details and make sure your prep has worked. Before the colonoscopy begins, you’ll be given sedation to help you relax. During the procedure, a thin flexible tube with a camera (called a colonoscope) is gently guided through your bowel. We use air or carbon dioxide to inflate the bowel slightly so we can see the lining clearly. This might cause some bloating or wind-like sensations afterwards. If needed, we can take biopsies or remove small polyps at the same time.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The procedure itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll then rest in recovery for about an hour while the sedation wears off.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. Because you’ve had sedation, you won’t be able to drive. Make sure someone can pick you up and stay with you for a few hours afterwards.
Can I go back to work afterwards?
Not on the same day. The sedation can leave you feeling a bit drowsy, so it’s best to take the rest of the day to rest at home.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
You’ll be given light sedation through a drip by an anaesthetist. You won’t be fully unconscious, but you’ll feel very relaxed and most people don’t remember the procedure. Sedation is generally very safe; we monitor you closely throughout. As with any medical sedation, there is a small risk of side effects, but serious complications are very rare.
What to expect during a colonoscopy
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
Will I be awake?
You’ll be given light sedation through a drip, which helps you relax and reduces any awareness of the procedure. It’s not a full general anaesthetic, but most people either lightly doze or don’t remember the procedure at all. You’ll still be breathing on your own and monitored throughout. You won’t feel or notice much; many patients are surprised at how smooth the experience is.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
Most people feel no pain during the procedure because of the sedation. At most, you might feel a bit of pressure or some cramping as the scope moves through the bowel. Afterward, some people feel bloated or gassy for a few hours. Serious discomfort is rare.
What if something is found during the procedure?
If we see something like a polyp or area of inflammation, we’ll usually take action straight away. Polyps can often be removed during the procedure; if it’s something that needs a closer look, we’ll take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for testing. This doesn’t hurt.
How do you remove polyps?
We use special instruments passed through the colonoscope to snip or remove polyps. Depending on the size and location, we may use a small wire loop or gentle suction. Most polyps are small and can be removed safely during the same procedure. You won’t feel this being done, and there’s no recovery time needed for polyp removal in most cases.
Can I stop the procedure if I feel uncomfortable?
We monitor you throughout and adjust the sedation if needed. If anything feels off or you become uncomfortable, we’ll pause or stop the procedure straight away. Your comfort and safety come first.
Colonoscopy recovery
After your colonoscopy
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
What happens after the procedure?
You’ll rest in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. Once you’re fully awake and alert, whoever has done your colonoscopy will go through the initial results with you and let you know what will happen next. Most people are ready to go home within an hour or so.
How long until I can eat again?
Most people can eat a light meal once they’re fully awake. Your bowel may still feel a bit sensitive, so it’s a good idea to start with something bland and easy to digest like toast, soup, or rice. Eating lightly also helps reduce bloating.
Can I drive or work after?
No, you’ll need to avoid driving, operating machinery, or returning to work until the next day. That’s because the sedation can affect your coordination and judgement even after you feel awake. It’s a safety precaution to protect you (and others) while the effects fully wear off.
When will I get my results?
We’ll explain what we saw on the day, including whether your bowel looked normal or if we found any polyps or inflammation. If we took any biopsies, those results are usually ready within about a week. They’ll be sent to your GP, and we can discuss them with you too if needed.
What are the side effects or risks?
Most people feel fine afterwards, though it’s common to feel gassy or bloated for a few hours due to the air we use during the procedure. Serious complications are rare but can include bleeding (especially if a polyp was removed) or a small tear in the bowel wall. These are extremely uncommon; your risk will be discussed with you beforehand.
Colonoscopy Murdoch
Making a colonoscopy booking
Dr Callum Pearce
Gastroenterologist Perth
Do I need a referral for a colonoscopy in Perth?
Yes, you’ll need a referral from your GP or another doctor to book your colonoscopy. This allows you to claim a Medicare rebate, which covers part of the cost of the procedure. The only out of pocket fee you will receive is any insurance excess; not all policies have one and this will depend on your agreement.
How do I book a colonoscopy at Westside Gastro?
Once you’ve seen your GP, they’ll send us your referral and we’ll contact you to arrange a time that suits you.
Is it bulk billed? What are the costs of a colonoscopy?
If you are insured the only out of pocket fee you will need to pay is the insurance excess; not all policies have one and this will depend on your agreement. We’ll talk you through all the expected costs at the time of booking so you know exactly what to expect.
Where is the clinic? Is there parking?
We’re based in Murdoch Square, right next to St John of God and Fiona Stanley Hospital. Full address and details are on our contact page.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150