Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows medical professionals to view the inside of the colon and rectum. This test allows doctors to diagnose ulcers, polyps and abnormal growths and is an important tool for detecting early signs of colon cancer. Bowel cleansing for colonoscopy is an important part of preparing for the procedure. You will need to follow a clear liquid diet and use either a polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate bowel cleansing agent before your colonoscopy to ensure a quality examination.
Clear Liquid Diet
Health professionals from the University of Michigan Health System recommend drinking only clear liquids, starting 2 days before the colonoscopy and only returning to solid foods once the procedure has been completed. Your doctor may require you to follow a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure, based on the type of prep you will be using and other health factors. Ask your doctor how long you must follow a clear liquid diet before your colonoscopy. Clear liquids include water, tea and coffee without cream or sugar, soda, chicken or beef clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice or lemon or lime gelatin desserts. Avoid drinking liquids with orange, purple or red food coloring. If your colonoscopy is scheduled before noon, do not drink or eat anything after midnight the previous night. If your procedure is scheduled after 12, medical experts at Thomas Jefferson University recommends clear liquids before 9 a.m. and then no food or drink after that time.
Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is available in liquid form under the brand names of NuLYTELY, Colyte, GoLYTELY, and TriLyte. You will need a prescription for this liquid. According to the PEG colonoscopy preparation instructions from the University of Michigan Health System, you should mix the liquid ahead of time and chill it before you drink it. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. the night before your procedure, drink 8 oz. of the liquid every 15 minutes until the entire gallon of liquid has been finished. If your colonoscopy is scheduled for later than 11 a.m. the next morning, drink 2 quarts of it the night before and the remaining 2 quarts at least 4 hours before you need to be at the hospital for the procedure.
Sodium Phosphate
The liquid form of sodium phosphate colonoscopy preparation is taken in 2 doses. Doses are 10 hours apart; each dose must be taken with a minimum of 3 glasses of clear liquid. According to patient colonoscopy preparation instructions from medical officials at Thomas Jefferson University, the pill form of sodium phosphate consists of 20 pills taken the night before the colonoscopy and 12 pills the morning of the colonoscopy. Drink 8 oz. of clear liquid with each dose of sodium phosphate. The pills you take the morning of the colonoscopy should be taken 3 to 5 hours before the procedure. You will need a prescription for the liquid or the pills. Tell the prescribing doctor if you have chronic kidney disease or other kidney problems. The National Institutes of Health warns healthcare consumers that sodium phosphate can cause serious kidney damage, which may be permanent and require dialysis or kidney transplant.
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