Preparing the Bowel for Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure in which the interior portion of the large intestine, including the colon and the rectum, is examined. It is mostly used to diagnose intestinal irregularities marked by symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal and intestinal bleeding or changing bowel movements. The prerequisite to a successful colonoscopy is having a clean bowel so that the examiner can have a clear look at the colon. It is thoroughly important to follow all the prescribed instructions, for a successful colonoscopy or else the examination will not be successful and the test may have to be repeated. Most patients agree the colonoscopy preparation is the worst part, since the procedure takes place after the patient has been sedated, so that they don’t remember it. There are various steps to be followed for its preparation which are listed as follows:
Preparing the Bowel for Colonoscopy
For the colonoscopy preparation, it is important to keep the bowel empty. Preparations also need to be done two to three days beforehand. Doctors recommend a steady liquid diet prior to the examination. A liquid diet may include:
- Strained fruit juice
- Fat-free bouillon or soup
- Plain coffee
- Water
- Diet Soda
- Plain tea
Since the same methods never work for everybody, there are other ways which are preferred by doctors. There are three methods of preparation namely Golytely (also called Colyte or Nulytely), sodium phosphate tablets (Osmo-Prep and Visicol) and phospo-soda.
Golytely
This is one of the prescriptions which requires the doctor’s go-ahead. It consists of a jug with a powder mix. The jug should be capable of holding a gallon of liquid. The drink has to be made out of the powder mix. The instructions included are usually to one 8 oz glass of the mixture every 10 minutes. The procedure is to be repeated till the gallon is exhausted. This will help in clearing out the bowels. In case the procedure is ineffective, one must take an enema.
Sodium Phosphate tablets
These tablets are prescribed by the doctor doing the colonoscopy. The two brands which are recommended and preferred by doctors are Osmo-Prep and Visicol. In Osmo-Prep, the tablets are taken on the eve and the morning of the day, the colonoscopy is scheduled. On the eve of the test the intake of the medicine should be 5 doses; 4 tablets, taken with 8 ounces of clear liquid every 15 minutes (20 tablets in total). On the morning or few hours of the test, 3 doses of 4 tablets every 15 minutes (12 tablets in total).
In case of Visicol, 7 doses are to be taken in 15 minutes or for 6 doses, 3 tablets are to be taken, 2 tablets for 1 dose (20 tablets in total). Few hours before the test, same dosage is repeated. The effects begin to take place one hour after the initial dosage is taken.
Phospho-soda
Phosopho Soda is available as an over-the-counter laxative. It is usually mixed in 3 oz of either water or some other solvent, if the physician permits. The bowel movement can take place from 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Colonoscopy preparation is a procedure that needs to be done with utmost care and caution.
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