What to Expect During a Colonoscopy Prep

Colonoscopy preparation is done to remove all fecal matter from the colon to allow the physician an unobstructed view of the entire colon and check for early signs of cancer.

Diet

A liquid diet may be prescribed to facilitate emptying the colon.

Liquid Prep Kit

The Golytely prep kit is a 4-liter jug containing a powder that the patient mixes with water. Drink an 8-oz. glass every 10 minutes until the jug is empty or bowel movements are clear. Bowels movements typically begin as diarrhea after a few glasses.

Tablet Prep Kit

The sodium phosphate tablet kit contains a prescribed number of pills to be taken at specific times the day before and the day of the colonoscopy. Expect to start having bowel movements about an hour after the first dose of tablets is taken.

Side Effects

Occasionally, patients experience bloating, nausea and vomiting after drinking large amounts of the liquid and nausea and abdominal pain after taking the tablets.

Minimize Discomfort

Using adult wet wipes or water sprays to cleanse instead of toilet paper helps reduce anal irritation, and drinking plenty of clear prevents dehydration. Follow the prep kits' instructions carefully, as you don't want to go through the process twice. Plan on staying home because you'll be spending a great deal of time in the bathroom.

References

• American Cancer Society
• Nulytely.com: Golytely
• Salix.com: Sodium Phosphate