Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Center

Pouchoscopy is an endoscopic exam using a slim, flexible tube with a camera at the tip to provide a close-up color view of the lower small intestine.

How to Prepare for This Test
At 6 pm the night before your procedure, drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate. You may purchase this at any drug store. Starting 24 hours prior to your procedure, eat and drink only clear liquids for the entire day. Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the procedure. Empty pouch 1 to 2 hours prior to scheduled procedure time.

What to Expect
This procedure is typically performed without anesthesia or sedation. This will be discussed when you are contacted by a nurse for your pre-assessment evaluation. If it is determined that sedation or anesthesia is necessary a driver must accompany you and stay in the waiting area during your procedure.
If you are a patient that has an ostomy, please bring supplies with you as they are not available in our unit. Click here to read more about what to expect in the GI Lab at Vanderbilt.