PATIENT INFORMATION
COLONOSCOPY PATHWAY
Your Colonoscopy
What it is: A camera examination of your large bowel, usually with sedation.
What to do: Follow your individual MacMurray preparation instructions exactly.
Preparation: Take the bowel preparation exactly as instructed and stay close to a toilet once it starts.
Recovery: Rest for the day and do not drive after sedation.
Get help: Call MacMurray if the preparation is not going to plan or you become unwell.
Who to call: the MacMurray team on (09) 550 1080, or 111 in an emergency
Quick summary
This information is for people preparing for a colonoscopy at the MacMurray Centre. It explains how to prepare, what to expect on the day, and when and how to contact the MacMurray team. Your own instructions may differ, so follow the advice given by your treating team.
The most important step is to follow your bowel preparation instructions exactly. Good preparation empties the bowel completely, so your gastroenterologist can see the bowel lining clearly.
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Why might a colonoscopy be recommended?
Your clinician may recommend a colonoscopy to look for the cause of symptoms such as bleeding from the bowel, a change in bowel habit, ongoing abdominal pain, or low iron levels. It is also used to screen for bowel cancer and to check the bowel if you have had polyps before.
A colonoscopy can help find the cause of symptoms, but it does not always give a definite explanation. The reason for your colonoscopy depends on your individual situation, and you can ask your specialist why it has been recommended for you and whether there are reasonable alternatives.
What does a colonoscopy involve?
A colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel (the colon) using a colonoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a small camera. It is performed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specialises in the digestive system. MacMurray specialists also hold senior positions in public hospitals.
Most people have sedation — medicine given through a small needle in the arm that makes you relaxed and drowsy. The examination itself commonly takes less than an hour, although your visit will be longer.
During the procedure the doctor may remove polyps (small growths on the bowel lining) or take a biopsy (a small sample of tissue for laboratory testing). You will not usually feel this happening.
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Sedation is not the same as a general anaesthetic. You are drowsy and comfortable rather than fully unconscious, and many people remember little of the procedure. Because sedation affects your memory, reflexes and judgement for the rest of the day, you must not drive, work, or make important decisions until the next day. The type of sedation used for you will be discussed on the day.
What should I do before my colonoscopy?
Eating and drinking
In the days before your colonoscopy you may be asked to change what you eat. Before the procedure you will need to stop eating and drink only clear fluids for a period of time. Your MacMurray instructions give the exact times. Your instructions will also list what counts as a clear fluid.
Bowel preparation
The bowel preparation is a strong laxative that empties your bowel so the camera can see the lining clearly. Once the preparation starts working, stay somewhere with easy access to a toilet. It is common to have frequent, watery bowel motions; this means the preparation is working.
Your medicines
Contact the MacMurray team before your procedure if you take blood-thinning medicines, diabetes medicines, insulin, iron tablets, or any medicine you are unsure about. The team will give you individual advice.
Transport and support person
If you have sedation, you must not drive afterwards. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home.
What to bring
Bring your booking letter, a list of your current medicines, and your glasses if you use them.
If you become unwell before the procedure
Call the MacMurray team if you become unwell, develop an infection, or your medicines or health change before your procedure. They will advise whether your appointment needs to change.
What happens on the day?
When you arrive, the nursing team will check you in and complete a short health assessment.You will still have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss consent with your clinician before the procedure. You will change into a gown, and sedation is usually given just before the examination begins.
Afterwards you will rest in the recovery area while the sedation wears off. Many people are ready to go home within a few hours of arriving, although this varies.
What should I expect afterwards?
It is common to feel bloated or windy for a few hours; this settles as the air used during the examination passes. Many people feel drowsy for the rest of the day.
For the rest of the day after sedation, do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions. Most people eat and drink normally soon after the procedure and return to usual activities the next day, but recovery varies; follow the advice you are given on the day.
When and how will I receive my results?
Your gastroenterologist will usually explain the initial findings before you go home. Because sedation affects memory, it helps to have your support person with you for this conversation.
If a biopsy was taken or polyps were removed, laboratory results take longer. If you have not heard about your results within the expected time, contact the MacMurray team.
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The preparation draws water into the bowel to flush it clean. This is why drinking the accompanying fluids matters as much as the laxative itself, and why you may feel cold or tired while it works. An incompletely prepared bowel can hide small polyps and may mean the procedure has to be repeated; which is why following the instructions exactly matters more than any other step.
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Polyps are small growths on the bowel lining. Most are harmless, but some types can slowly develop into cancer over years, which is why they are usually removed during the colonoscopy. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue taken for laboratory testing; it helps explain symptoms even when the bowel looks normal. Having a polyp removed or a biopsy taken does not mean something is seriously wrong, it is a routine part of a careful examination.
Understanding your results
If anything needs closer examination, a biopsy or polyp removal may be carried out during the test itself and sent to the laboratory. Results from tissue samples generally take up to 10 working days; you may be asked to book a follow-up appointment to discuss them, and a copy is sent to your GP either way.
Colonoscopy findings vary widely and may include inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis (small pouches in the bowel wall, common with age), lower bowel bleeding, polyps, or less commonly a tumour. Most findings are manageable, and your specialist will explain what yours means for you.
Possible risks
Colonoscopy is a generally safe, routine test, and complications are uncommon. Your own risk may be a little higher or lower depending on your health and whether polyps are removed during your test. Your specialist can discuss this with you.
COMMON, USUALLY MINOR
Nausea, vomiting, bloating or rectal irritation. Usually settles on its own without treatment.
UNCOMMON, BUT IMPORTANT TO KNOW
About 1 in 100
Heavy or persistent bleeding from a biopsy or polyp-removal site, most often when a polyp has been removed.
Fewer than 1 in 1,000
A tear in the bowel wall (perforation) requiring a repair operation.
About 4 in 10,000
A reaction to the sedation medicine affecting breathing or blood pressure.
Very rare
Infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
If you notice heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, or feel increasingly unwell after your test, see When should you contact us? below.
When should you contact us?
To cancel or reschedule your appointment
Plans change — contact your MacMurray clinic as soon as you know, so your appointment time can be offered to another patient.
If your bowel preparation isn't going to plan
Contact your clinic if: you can't complete the preparation; you vomit it or can't keep fluids down, you haven't had a bowel motion after finishing it, or you're unsure what to do with your medicines beforehand. Don't assume your procedure must automatically be cancelled - call us and we can advise.
If you become unwell before your procedure
Contact your clinic if you become unwell, develop an infection, or your health or medicines change before your test. We'll advise whether your appointment needs to change.
After your procedure
Contact your clinic or call 111 if you notice heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, or you feel increasingly unwell in the days after your test.
How can my whānau or support person help?
Your whānau or support person can help by driving you home, staying with you after sedation, and being with you when results are explained — a second set of ears helps, because sedation affects memory. They are welcome to help you ask questions at any stage.
What if I have additional needs?
Tell the MacMurray team when you book if you need an interpreter, help with mobility, or information in another format such as larger print.
An audio version of this guide is available by clicking the link below.
If you need a translation of this information contact us.
Quick check
Why is it important to complete the bowel preparation exactly as instructed before your colonoscopy??
Tap the answer you think is right:
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Not quite. Bowel preparation is mainly needed to clean the bowel before the examination.
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Correct. A clean bowel helps the doctor examine the lining properly and reduces the chance of polyps or other abnormalities being missed.
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Not quite. Whether sedation is used is separate from how well the bowel has been prepared.
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Not quite. Good bowel preparation may help the procedure go smoothly, but its main purpose is to give the doctor a clear view.
In summary
Take your bowel preparation exactly as instructed, and call the team rather than giving up if you have problems with it.
Expect to feel drowsy and bloated afterwards — plan a quiet rest of the day, with someone to take you home.
Contact the MacMurray team promptly about preparation or medicine problems, and call 111 in an emergency.
MacMurray Centre
Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Specialist Services
Auckland
This article provides general information and does not replace advice from your treating team. Your care may differ depending on your health, medicines and individual circumstances. Follow the instructions given directly by your healthcare provider. Seek urgent medical help if you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Patient information developed and maintained by Loupa for MacMurray Centre. Clinical review: [NAME, QUALIFICATIONS — TBC]. Published: [DATE]. Last reviewed: [DATE]. Version: 0.1. © Loupa Limited 2026. MacMurray Centre branding and client-specific information are used with permission.
Concept prepared by Loupa Limited for discussion with MacMurray Centre. Clinical content, branding and patient distribution remain subject to MacMurray approval. Version 0.9 | 24 July 2026