Please read the following instructions carefully.

Colonoscopy and M2-PK (Colon Cancer Test) preparation kits are required before your checkup date. Kits will be made available to you approximately 3 days to 1 week before your appointment.

In-person pickup: You may pick up the kit at the hospital (KMI Gangnam) until the day before your checkup.

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7 AM to 4 PM
Wed, Sat: 7 AM to 11 AM

Address: 411, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea - Sungdam
Building, 4th Floor

What to bring on the medical checkup day
- To check your corrected vision, please bring your glasses or contact lenses if you have them.
- For identification, please bring your Passport or Alien registration card (Resident registration card in Korea).
*According to Article 11 and Article 32 of the Narcotics Control Act, it is mandatory to provide your name and resident registration number for Koreans, valid alien registration card or passport for foreigners who have colonoscopy or conscious sedation.
There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.

After the test: Driving any vehicles on your own is inadvisable after sedative endoscopy (please scroll down for more information on preparing for the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy).

Only for Women:
- Female patients may not be able to perform the following tests during menstruation; Colonoscopy, Urine test, Pap smear and HPV test (can be tested at a later date).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please let us know in advance. Mammograms can be performed during menstruation, but not if you were recently breastfeeding.

Regarding COVID-19:
- We recommend you wear a mask during the check-up
- Check-up restrictions apply if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days.

*No manicures before exams. Oxygen reader must be placed on fingertips so no gel or any polish.

 

Colonoscopy Instructions

Precautions Before Colonoscopy

• A colonoscopy uses a colonoscope to examine the inside of the rectum and large intestine (colon) to detect polyps, inflammation, tumors, or ulcers. The exam typically takes about 20–40 minutes, depending on the findings.
  
• Patients who take anticoagulants (aspirin, Plavix, etc.) or antithrombotic agents should consult their doctor in advance to determine whether they need to temporarily stop medication. *In some cases, colonoscopy may be restricted depending on your condition and medication.
  
• If you are taking medications for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease, please take your usual medication with a small amount of water on the morning of the exam and inform the clinic in advance.
  
• Do not consume alcohol the night before the exam.
  
• Do not eat or drink anything on the morning of the exam.
  
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time for a smooth check-in process.
  
• Only one guardian may accompany the patient. (If you are under sedation, a guardian must accompany you in case of an emergency.)
  
• Avoid bringing valuables or wearing accessories. Dress comfortably.
  

 

Important Notes About Sedation

• Sedated colonoscopy cannot be performed alone. In the event of an accident, the clinic cannot be held responsible if no guardian is present. Patients will not be allowed to leave alone or drive after the procedure.
  
• Do not consume any food (except for water and the laxative solution) after taking the prescribed laxative. Even carbonated drinks can interfere with test results. On the day before the exam, you may experience mild bloating due to gas buildup.
  
• If the scope cannot pass through due to stool residue, additional time, costs, or even rescheduling may be required. *Please follow all instructions strictly to avoid incomplete results.
  

 

Situations that may require postponement or cancellation

• If you experience abdominal bloating, severe cramping, or chest pain after taking the laxative, please stop taking it and contact the clinic immediately.
• If pregnancy is suspected, or you are currently menstruating, please inform the staff (note: colonoscopy can still be performed depending on the stage).
• For patients with implants or pacemakers, please inform the clinic before the procedure.
• Those traveling overseas within 6–14 days (especially to countries requiring a medical certificate for entry) may be restricted from undergoing tissue biopsy or polypectomy.
• Do not schedule a colonoscopy within 6 months after undergoing a colon resection surgery.
• For patients with active diverticulitis, the exam may be postponed depending on the doctor's assessment.

 

Preparation for the Exam

• Avoid foods that leave residue:
• Seeds (grapes, kiwi, watermelon, tomatoes), high-fiber vegetables (seaweed, mushrooms), nuts, shellfish, spicy or oily foods, and foods that are red or purple (grape juice, coffee, etc.)
• The day before the exam, consume only light meals such as porridge or broth without solid ingredients.

 

Possible Side Effects and Complications

• Rare but serious complications may occur, such as bleeding, perforation, infection, or allergic reaction due to sedation.
• Symptoms like mild cramping, nausea, or dizziness may occur temporarily even after the exam.
• If severe symptoms like vomiting, sharp pain, or heavy bleeding occur, please contact the clinic or visit the emergency room immediately.

 

Foods and Medications to Avoid Before the Exam

7 Days Before the Exam

Medications to Discontinue

• Stop taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin, Plavix, warfarin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Brilinta)
  
• Important: Always consult your physician before stopping any medication.
  
• Certain medications may restrict sedation or polypectomy during the colonoscopy.
  

 

3 Days Before the Exam

Avoid the Following Foods

• Fruits or foods with seeds: kiwi, grapes, watermelon, tomatoes, seaweed, mushrooms, sesame, etc.
  
• High-fiber or hard-to-digest foods: nuts, corn, etc.
  
• If you have constipation, start preparing 7 days before.
  

 

1 Day Before the Exam

If Your Exam Is in the Morning

• Breakfast: Easily digestible low-fiber foods (e.g., rice porridge, tofu, eggs, white bread, soft-boiled potatoes)
  
• Lunch: Low-residue, low-fiber foods (avoid fibrous or oily food)
  
• Dinner: Fasting (only water allowed)
  

 

If Your Exam Is in the Afternoon

• Lunch: Easily digestible low-fiber foods (same as above)
  
• Dinner: Low-residue, low-fiber foods
  
• After Dinner: Fasting (only water allowed)
  

 

On the Day of the Exam

• Strict fasting required before the exam
  
• If you're taking sedatives, do not drink water after taking the laxative
  
• Stop all liquids at least 4 hours before your appointment. *If you're scheduled in the morning, stop after midnight
  

 

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About the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy):

- The examination takes about 5-10 minutes.

- If you have dentures, please remove them before the examination. Lipstick must be removed.

- You will take an antifoaming agent before the examination to reduce the nausea caused by air bubbles when the endoscope is inserted. A topical anesthetic is made to your throat. Then your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, etc.) are checked before your veins are secured with a heparinized cap, and then you lay down on the gurney.

- The endoscope is inserted into your mouth to duodenum gradually via, esophagus and stomach to check for abnormalities in the tissues.

- If necessary, a biopsy is taken for the purpose of examination and treatment which will be offered as an add-on with additional payment.

After the Gastroscopy (Endoscopy):

※ Do not drive after the sedative endoscopy.

- You can eat 20 minutes to 1 hour later when the throat anesthesia wears off unless there are specific instructions from your healthcare provider. If it is a sedative (sleep) endoscopy, you will be able to eat after 30 minutes to 1 hour rest.

- After the examination, you may feel like you have something stuck in your throat and your throat may be sore. This is a phenomenon that occurs when you give a lot of strength during the endoscopy. The symptoms are mostly relieved after a day or so.

- You may feel bloated and gassy in your stomach. This is natural, and the discomfort will subside as you release gas.

- You may feel swollen and sore around your ear and jaw joints. These are the symptoms of temporarily blocked salivary glands when force is applied during the endoscopy. Massaging around your chin with a lukewarm towel will help.

 

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About the Colonoscopy:

* Colonoscopies are required to be completed at least 2 weeks before any flight.

* If you're possibly pregnant or menstruating, the examination is not allowed.

In-person pickup: The kit will be made available to you approximately 3 days to 1 week before your appointment. You may pick up the kit at the hospital (KMI Gangnam) until the day before your checkup.

Visiting hours:

• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7 AM to 4 PM
• Wed, Sat: 7 AM to 11 AM
• Address: 411, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea - Seongnam
  Building, 4th Floor

In addition to the above steps 1 through 8, please follow the Colon Cleanse instructions below - YOU WILL RECEIVE ONE OF THE THREE LISTED BELOW:

Type 1: Clicool

How to dispense

After putting 1 pack of A and 1 pack of B into the container, pour cold water up to the mark (500 ml) and shake it until dissolved well.

How to prep: For AM examinations

① 8 pm - Day before the examination: Take 500 ml of the dispensed Clicool in 250 ml doses for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 500 ml of Clicool prepared the same way. Drink an additional 500 ml of water.

② 4 am - Day of the examination: Take Clicool with the same way as the evening before the day of the examination. Lastly, take one sachet of Gasocol.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

How to prep: For PM examinations

① 6 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 ml of the dispensed Clicool in 250 ml doses for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals.

② 8:30 am - Day of the examination: As you did at 6:00 am, take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Take 250 ml of the dispensed Clicool 500 ml for 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. Drink an additional 1 liter of water. Lastly, take 1 sachet of Gasocol.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

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Type 2: S Colon

How to dispense

After putting 1 pack of A and 1 pack of B into the container, pour cold water up to the mark (500 ml) and shake it until dissolved well.

How to prep: For AM examinations

① 8 pm - Day before the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon the same way. Then drink an additional 500 mL of water.

② 4 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way. Take 1 sachet of Gasocol. Drink an additional 500mL of water.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

How to prep: For PM examinations

① 6 am - Day of the examination: Take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way.

② 8:30 am - Day of the examination: One and a half hour later, take 500 mL of the prepared S Colon over 30 minutes (250 mL every 15 minutes), then take another 500 mL of S Colon with the same way. Take 1 sachet of Gasocol. Drink an additional 1 liter of water.

③ Empty your bowels before arriving to your appointment. This process must be completed at least 1 hour before the beginning of the colonoscopy.

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Type 3: Suclear

 

Medications:
If you have any of the following conditions, please let us know before the examination.

• Glaucoma, hyperplasia of prostate
• Kidney disease
• Hypertension, diabetes and Heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia)
• Hemorrhagic diseases and other hematologic diseases
• Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Respiratory disease (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease)
• Allergic disease
• Hypersensitivity reactions to medications, severe snoring, or apnea.
• Taking aspirin, Warfarin (Coumadin), Ticlopidine, Plavix, etc.

In case of failure to take or loss of colonics medication:

• As medicine is difficult for storage and management due to its nature, return is not accepted because of possible tampering and spoiling.
• (*Ministry of Health and Welfare’s A Guide to Drug Returns in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services Benefits 65720-634).
• (*However, it may be different for corporate and entities depending on the conditions of the contract).
• Re-purchase of medicine due to lost or failed taking incurs KRW 20,000 as self-payment.

*Polyps larger than 0.7cm(including vascular polyps, infiltrative edges, etc.) may not be removed due to complications(Biopsy may be performed).

There may be restrictions on examination (colonoscopy or conscious sedation) and prescription if you cannot provide the appropriate identification by the day of the checkup.

After the Colonoscopy:

※ Do not drive after the colonoscopy.

- Rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour after the examination before returning home.

- You may eat right away after the examination unless you have any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

- You may have remaining abdominal discomfort due to the air injected into you during the examination. In this case, you need to walk to let out the gas or hold a pouch of hot water against your abdomen. It is also helpful when you get on your knees with your upper body and head lowered and your hands stretched out and your hips raised.

- You may feel dizzy or vomiting due to the painkillers and sleep inducers administered before the examination. However, they will be mitigated in about 2-4 hours.

- You may experience bleeding, black stools, bloody stools, dizziness, tachycardia, night sweats, or severe abdominal pain after the biopsy.