Endoscopy - contd.
Fasting from food is usually advised prior to endoscopy. A 12-hour fast is usually adequate prior to examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, but in some animals, normal stomach emptying time can be as long as 16 hours after the patient's last meal. In addition, animals suspected of having problems with delayed stomach emptying might need to fast for 18 to 24 hours. For colonoscopy, fasting may be extended for 24 to 36 hours. Additional preparation required prior to colonoscopy can include the oral administration of specific medications or special solutions to help cleanse the colon prior to the procedure. Enemas may be used to accomplish the same goal. It may be difficult to do a thorough examination if there is an excessive amount of fecal material in the colon at the time of the procedure.
