Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy - Facts & Tips

Bowel Preparation

Colonoscopy, the screening test for colorectal cancer, requires that the large bowel be emptied ahead of time. An empty bowel allows your doctor to get the most accurate results possible. The bowel is the lowest part of your intestine, where waste is stored before it passes out of your body. The preparation (or prep) of your bowel is an important first step of the procedure.

Important Steps to Remember

Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions to follow to completely empty your bowel. You will need to take one or several solutions to help your body empty the large bowel. Your nurse or doctor will tell you which to take and exactly how and when to take it.

It is important to follow the directions about how, when, and how often to take these solutions. The doctor could miss polyps if the bowel is not absolutely clean.

You will know your bowel prep is working when you have frequent bowel movements. Once you begin, you may have loose and watery stools. It is important that you drink plenty of water and/or other clear liquids during this prep. You will lose a large amount of fluid. As a result, you could become dehydrated. You should do this bowel prep at home or somewhere where you are comfortable and close to a bathroom.

Clear liquids include:

• Water
  
• Fruit juices, (apple or white grape juice)
  
• Broth
  
• Coffee or tea (without milk or creamer)
  
• Gatorade or other sports drinks
  
• Carbonated beverages
  
• Jello-not red
  

If you are in poor health, or over the age of 65, have someone with you during your bowel prep.

On the morning of your procedure, your bowel movements should be watery and clear.

You must have someone drive you home from the procedure. The procedure will be cancelled if you do not have a driver with you. You should not drive or operate machinery until the day after your procedure because of the sedating drugs you receive during the procedure.

The preceding is adapted from University of Texas Medical Branch Health Education Office Bowel Preparation Fact Sheet and the Colon and Rectal Care Center website.

Helpful Hints

• If you feel full while drinking the prep, rest for an hour before continuing to drink.
  
• Flavoring the solution with 1-2 tbsp of pre-sweetened powder, (such as Kool-Aid or Crystal Lite) (not red) may help if your solution comes unflavored.
  
• Drink ice cold so that your taste buds are numb.
  
• It is a good idea to have a big bowl of Jello (not red), with a bowl of broth for lunch and dinner so that you won't feel too hungry.
  

Important Points

It is normal to be slightly weak during the bowel prep. If you become very weak or faint, try drinking some clear liquids that contain sugar (fruit juice or soda), and sit down. If you don't feel better, call your doctor or clinic.

If you become nauseous, stop and try again in an hour. If you are unable to tolerate the bowel prep, tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

Bowel Prep Q & A

While on the clear liquid diet, can I have coffee?

Yes, black without dairy products.

What are clear liquids?

Some examples are: apple juice, carbonated drinks, Jello (not red), broth, water and tea.

Do I have to drink the entire prep solution?

Yes, you must drink it all to clean the colon.

Can I have red or purple Jello?

Some physicians recommend not eating red or purple Jello, popsicles, etc. because the dye can interfere with reading the results.

How long should I plan on being off from work?

You must take the day of the procedure off from work. You may work the day before, and work the day after.

Which of my medications should I take?

Generally, you will not take any medications the day of your procedure.

You can take heart and blood pressure medications, as long as the medication is not a diuretic, Ask your doctor.

Do not take Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn 2 days before the colonoscopy unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Tylenol is fine.

Do not take Coumadin 4 days before the procedure, and Plavix 7 days before the procedure unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

If you are a diabetic, talk to your doctor about which medications you can take and which ones should be discontinued before your procedure.

Alternate Bowel Preparations

In order for your doctor to get a clear view of your colon, it must be completely free of stool during the examination. There are a number of different preps used for colonoscopy. These include:

• Miralax Powder and Ducolax Tablets
  
• Visicol Tablets
  
• Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely Powder
  
• Fleet Phospho-soda
  

You should speak with your doctor to find the prep that is best for you.

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at info@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

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