Brief Answer:
it's not necessary to get off eliquis for 7 days...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

we usually classify patients and procedures as high, moderate or low risk (for bleeding during the procedure or thrombotic events). For example a diagnostic colonoscopy is considered to carry low bleeding risk. If polypectomy has to be done then the risk is higher (moderate or high). Patients with atrial flutter alone are not considered to have a high risk for thrombotic events. If the same patient also has valvular disease then the risk high. If your cardiologist believes that your risk for thrombosis is high then "bridging" treatment might be substituted for eliquis. This is a low-molecular-weight-heparin that's given subcutaneously and takes care of blood thinning. This is safer than no blood thinner with thrombosis in regard but riskier for bleeding.

For a patient with normal kidney functionality stopping eliquis 24-48 hours before the procedure should suffice. 24 hours are enough for low risk procedures. 48 hours should be chosen when the bleeding risk during the procedure is high. The anticoagulant can be started again after 24-72 hours depending on the bleeding risk. For a diagnostic colonoscopy the time required to be off eliquis shouldn't exceed 48-72 hours.

The barium study is not equivalent to colonoscopy. Colonoscopy provides far more detailed information and cannot be substituted with barium study.
The more days you're off the blood thinner the higher the risk for thrombus formation. 48-72 hours does not sound as too much time but if a clot is formed you may get into trouble.

So in conclusion, the colonoscopy is the best test to identify intestinal lesions, so this is the recommended test at all times. A barium study is usually done only when colonoscopy is contraindicated. Getting off the blood thinner does pose a risk for thrombosis but for 2-3 days (which is the most likely time that would be required in your case) is not that high.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!

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