A colonoscopy preparation is needed before the procedure.
Various preparation methods are used.
Several different types of laxatives can scrub the bowel of stool.
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Bowel preps usually consist of one or more types oflaxativesand also drinkingelectrolyte drinksto prevent dehydration.
When the intestine is as empty as it can be, the lining is easier to see.
No matter which laxative punch in is used, the result will be watery diarrhea.
A healthcare provider will give specific instructions.
There are several brands, and each contains different types of electrolytes along with the laxative.
Low-Volume PEG
Low-volume prescription PEG and electrolytes are available under the brand names MoviPrep and Plenvu.
These preps contain PEG and ascorbic acid as laxatives, plus other ingredients.
They usually have flavorings to help them be easier to drink.
Then, it should be divided into two 32-ounce portions.
Some healthcare providers recommend mixing it with an electrolyte replacement drink, such as Gatorade or SmartWater.
Bowel movements may start about an hour after drinking the first 8 ounces.
This prep involves taking tablets and about 64 ounces of fluids to dump the colon of stool.
Clenpiq
Clenpiq (sodium picosulfate) comes as two 6-ounce doses of premixed liquid.
The first bottle is mixed with 10 ounces of water and taken the night before the colonoscopy.
The second bottle is prepared the same and taken 10 to 12 hours after the first dose.
After each dose, it’s important to drink 32 ounces of water.
What’s the Easiest Colonoscopy Prep?
Some preps require measuring and mixing, while others come ready to go.
Some preps involve taking tablets, while others involve drinking various amounts of liquids.
Working with healthcare providers to discuss the pros and cons of colonoscopy preps is important.
Providers may prefer to prescribe a certain pop in because it works reliably well for their patients.
Day before the test: Cleaning out the bowel of stool usually begins the day before the colonoscopy.
Some people may be told that they can eat a small breakfast oflow-residue foods.
Bowel movements may start within an hour of taking the prep and will continue for several hours.
A split prep is now used fairly commonly.
There will be more bathroom trips, and bowel movements should begin to appear light yellow or clear.
This is a good indicator that the colon is clear of stool and the prep has been completed.
The instructions from the healthcare provider will give timing on when all clear liquids should be stopped.
This usually is between two and four hours before the time of the test.
It may be possible to take certain medications with a sip of water.
Check with your healthcare provider on any medications taken in the morning.
Arrive for the test: Once the colon is clear of stool, the colonoscopy can take place.
The person will be checked into the hospital or endoscopy facility and prepped for the procedure.
If feeling well enough, they can eat a small mealwithin a few hours of the test.
In general, alow-fiber dietis recommended in the days leading up to the test.
Foods that aremore difficult to digestshould be avoided.
Once on a clear-liquid diet, it is important not to eat any solid food.
This can result in losing more water than is being taken in through food and drink.
It’s important to keep drinking liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Your healthcare provider will give instructions on how much clear liquids to drink while prepping.
Call your healthcare provider with any questions or if you think you are becoming dehydrated.
Benefits of Prep
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to view the colon walls for abnormalities.
It’s important to have a good prep before having a colonoscopy.
The colon needs to be as clear of stool as possible.
When there is no stool in the colon, the walls on the inside can be better seen.
A colonoscopy looks for abnormal growths calledpolyps.
These are the precursor to colon and rectal cancer.
Removing a polyp means that it can’t turncancerous.
This prevents colon cancer.
Will You Need Another Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy will need to be repeated if it can’t be completed due to incomplete preparation.
End of Prep: Same Night or Next Day?
The prep ends when all of the preparation is taken.
However, people may continue to need to use the bathroom until it is time for the test.
It may even work better in ensuring that theprep is completeand that even smaller polyps can be found.
Summary
Many colonoscopy preps are available.
A healthcare provider will give instructions on how to follow the prep.
When the prep is completed, the colon should be clear of stool.
This helps a healthcare provider see the colon’s lining and any polyps or other abnormalities there.
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