Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

How To Prepare for a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy fasting and bowel preparation (bowel prep) are two related - and important - ways of getting ready to have a doctor examine your colon for symptoms of colon cancer.

Fasting and bowel prep are both critical to the success of the procedure because your colon must be clean for your doctor to see the walls clearly and detect any signs of disease. Fasting and bowel prep are the best ways to accomplish this, so your doctor will give you certain colonoscopy prep instructions.

The colonoscopy procedure itself usually lasts less than an hour (sometimes as little as 15 minutes). But colonoscopy preparation starts before you actually go into the room where the colonoscopy is done.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy The day before a colonoscopy is the day you'll need to fast. You're doctor may decide you need to restrict intake for a longer period, depending on your situation.

During your colonoscopy fasting period, your doctor will permit you to eat gelatin or Popsicles® as long as they're not in flavors that are red or blue. These colors may linger in the colon and complicate inspection. You'll also be allowed to have

• Diet soda.
• Fat-free bouillon or broth
• Hard candy such as Life Savers or lemon drops
• Plain coffee
• Plain tea
• Strained fruit juice (specifically apple, grape, or cranberry)
• Water

Definitely avoid any dairy products, including milk, ice cream, or cream soup.

What Is "Bowel Prep?" 

Besides fasting and limiting your food choices, colonoscopy preparation involves "bowel prep."

Your doctor will recommend one of several types of laxatives to take the night before. Popular brands of colon prep include Golytely®, Fleets Phospho-Soda® and Movi-Prep®.

Generally, you take the laxative in late afternoon or early evening, following the directions and your doctor's recommendations.
 
In between doses, you should drink three to six 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid. Your doctor may suggest that you drink even more than that if you can.
 
It's important to drink lots of water because during bowel prep, the laxatives absorb water from your body and move it out of your colon. It will feel as if you have a bad case of diarrhea. Be prepared to spend some time in the bathroom.

You can still have clear liquids up until four hours before your procedure.

Click on American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer to go to Amazon.com's product information page for this book.