The process for preparing for a colonoscopy is called bowel prep
Generally, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract by following a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure.
You should inform Dr. Cofrancesco or Dr. Quijano of all medical conditions and any medications, vitamins, or supplements taken regularly. Driving is not permitted for 24 hours after colonoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, you should make plans for a ride home.
Below you will find information on two types of bowel prep for a colonoscopy.
Suprep Bowel Prep
1st dose: 5-6 PM
2nd dose: 4 hours prior to procedure time
Step 1: Pour One 6-ounce bottle of SUPREP liquid into the mixing container.
Step 2: Add cool drinking water to the 16 ounce line on the container and mix.
Step 3: Drink ALL the liquid in the container
Step 4: You must drink two more 16-ounce containers of water.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 using the other 6-ounce bottle. (Both 6-ounce bottles are required for a complete prep).
Golytely Prep
Start drinking prep around 2 PM the day before procedure (on clear liquid day). Drink 8 ounces every 10 minutes until you are done. No liquid after midnight.
Requirements for a Successful Colonoscopy
Having the contents of your colon is the first requirement for a successful colonoscopy. If you haven’t completely cleared the colon of all contents, polyps and desions can be missed, the colonoscopy may take longer or even worse, the whole process must be performed again. Therefore, it is very important that you follow all of the instructions given to you by the staff at GI-North so that your colonoscopy is successful.
You will need to stop eating any solid foods the day before, starting early evening, of your scheduled colonoscopy procedure. You must take a substance that triggers bowel-clearing diarrhea. Exact instructions will depend on the bowel prep prescribed, the time your colonoscopy is scheduled for.
Suggestions for making the prep time a little easier:
While all of this may be a little inconvenient and uncomfortable, colonoscopies have proven to be life saving. Colon Cancer statistics continue to improve because people are having the procedure performed.