Colonoscopy Glossary

Glossary

Barium enema

A type of x-ray used to screen for colon cancer and other bowel abnormalities during which barium sulfate and air are introduced into the colon to improve the x-ray images.

Biopsy

Small amount of tissue removed during colonoscopy for further examination.

Bowel prep

See colonoscopy prep.

Colon

Final 6-foot-long segment of the digestive tract that removes solid waste from the body; it is part of the large intestine.

Colon cancer

A cancer that develops in the bowel or rectum. Also known as colorectal cancer.

Colon prep

See colonoscopy prep.

Colonoscope

A long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor used to visually examine the inside of the colon.

Colonoscopy

Procedure to examine the entire colon.

Colonoscopy prep

Regimen prescribed by a physician to clean out the colon, usually used before a colonoscopy or other screening procedure. Also known as a bowel prep, colonoscopy preparation, and colon prep.

Colonoscopy preparation

See colonoscopy prep.

Colonoscopy screening

A colonoscopy performed to detect signs of colon cancer, even when there are no apparent symptoms of colon or other gastrointestinal issues.

Computed tomography (CT)

A method used by doctors to view the colon by combining a series of x-rays taken from many angles to produce a cross-sectional image.

Diagnostic colonoscopy

A colonoscopy performed if symptoms of colon cancer or gastrointestinal issues are present or if other tests yield abnormal results.

Electrolyte

Sodium ions in the bloodstream that need to be replaced during and after a colonoscopy prep.

Hydration

Drinking liquid to restore or maintain fluid balance; an essential component of a safe and effective colonoscopy prep.

Laxative

A drug used to treat constipation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A test doctors use to create an image of the colon by using a magnetic field and radio wave energy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) laxative

A medicine used to treat constipation. It is important to note that most over-the-counter laxatives are not FDA approved for colonoscopy prep and do not offer sufficient electrolyte balance.

Polyp

An abnormal tissue growth in the large intestine or colon. If not detected and removed, it can develop into cancer.

Rectum

The final section of the colon, where waste is stored until the next bowel movement removes it from the body.

Sigmoidoscopy

Procedure to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum.

Split dosing regimen

A colonoscopy prep regimen in which you take the first dose the day before the procedure and compete the prep on the day of the procedure.

Virtual colonoscopy

A procedure in which a doctor inspects the inside of the large intestine for abnormal growths by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

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Important Safety Information about MOVIPREP

MOVIPREP® (PEG-3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid for oral solution) is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. MOVIPREP is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, bowel perforation, gastric retention, ileus, toxic colitis or toxic megacolon, and patients who have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to any of its components. MOVIPREP should be used with caution in patients at risk of or with fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatremia, arrhythmias, seizures, in patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that affect renal function, patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease, patients with suspected GI obstruction or perforation, patients at risk for aspiration, and patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Most common adverse reactions for split dosing (incidence ≥5%) are malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions for evening only dosing (incidence ≥5%) are abdominal distension, anal discomfort, thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disorder, rigors, hunger, malaise, vomiting, and dizziness. MOVIPREP contains 233 mg of phenylalanine per treatment. Advise patients to hydrate adequately before, during, and after the use of MOVIPREP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/ or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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