: In order to perform the colonoscopy properly the colon must be free of solid matter. The cleaner the better! In the past patients in Minnesota were required to drink terrible tasting flushing fluids such as Golytley. These days the colon cleansing process is much easier. Prior to the procedure the patient is required to follow a low fiber for three days and clear-liquid only diet for 24 hours. It is very important that the patient remain hydrated.
A typical colonoscopy regimen in the Minneapolis and St. Paul then would be as follows
• The day before the colonoscopy, the patient is given a laxative preparation (two bisacodyl 5 mg tablets at the noon time) and large quantities of fluid (Water, clear broth or bouillon, coffee or tea, Gatorade, Pedialyte, carbonated & non-carbonated soft drinks, Kool-Aid or other fruit-flavored drinks, strained fruit juices). Alcohol is not permitted.
• The night before colonoscopy, the patient start drinking the Mixture of 1 bottle of Miralax (8.3 oz, 238 grams) with 64 oz of Gatorade (approx. 8 oz. each 15-30 min. until finished).
• 3 hours before your procedure, drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate (10 oz).
It may be advisable to schedule colonoscopy in the morning so the patient can have food right after the procedure. The patient must have a responsible driver to accompany him/her home. Once the bowel preparation with Miralax starts, the patient should stay at home in comfortable surroundings with ready access to toilet facilities.
The patient may be asked to skip aspirin and aspirin-like products such as salicylate, ibuprofen, and similar medications for up to ten days before colonoscopy to avoid the risk of bleeding. If a polyp is removed it is usually sent to a lab for a pathology report.
