Bowel Preparation

Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation

In order to perform a colonoscopy it is imperative that the entire large intestine (colon) be clean.  Therefore, the preparation must be thorough and requires strict adherence to dietary restrictions and the instructions for taking the laxative product(s).  The preparation involves the ingestion of oral laxatives which cause a profuse diarrhea and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea and cramps.  Although these side effects and the taste may be unpleasant, they are generally safe when used as advised and are necessary if the examination is to be optimal.

Important Limitations And Warnings

Although colonoscopy preps are quite safe, all preps have been (rarely) known to cause side effects such as dehydration and electrolyte disorders.  In particular, Fleets phosphosoda, Visicol and Osmoprep can rarely cause kidney damage/failure especially in the elderly, those with electrolyte disorders and pre-existing kidney disease and those taking certain heart or blood pressure medicines, diuretics or NSAID's.  For this reason these are no longer routinely used and these products have either been withdrawn from the market or been given a "black box" warning by the FDA.

Sigmoidoscopy Bowel Preparation

Since this examination only involves the inspection of the lowest most portion of the colon it does not usually require the entire large intestine to be clean.  Most often, it is only necessary to take 1 or 2 phosphate-based (Fleet) or alternative type of enemas administered per rectum.  They are usually administered immediately before the examination is performed.