If your doctor is recommending a colonoscopy, you're likely wondering what to expect — especially when it comes to preparing for the procedure.
"A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening," says Dr. Valentine Millien, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist. "It is an incredibly powerful tool because it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. We not only examine the colon for polyps but we also immediately remove any polyps we might find."
A crucial part of a colonoscopy is cleansing of the colon beforehand, also called bowel preparation.
"The goal is for the colon to be completely clean, so we have the best view possible," says Dr. Millien. "This requires a purging process using a prescribed laxative solution that you drink the night before your procedure. We counsel patients that their colon is clear when their stools have the light-yellow color of urine."
While your doctor will provide personalized instructions, here's a general guide of what to expect during a colonoscopy prep:
Tips for making colonoscopy prep easier
Bowel preparation doesn't have the best reputation. Maybe you've heard a grandparent or parent talk about older formulations, describing these solutions as salty, dirty bathwater and noting that large volumes they were required to drink. But Dr. Millien points out that times have changed.
"The newer colonoscopy prep solutions are smaller volumes and come in a variety of flavors. In some situations, your doctor may be able to prescribe tablets," says Dr. Millien. "This still isn't the most pleasant process, but it certainly is better than it was in the past."
Here are a few tips that might help make getting through the prep solution a little easier:
- Try drinking it through a straw
- Bite into a lemon wedge between sips
- Chew gum between drinks
"It's also important to stay hydrated during your prep," says Dr. Millien. "You're going to be losing a lot of fluid through this purge, and drinking plenty of water and sipping on a sports drink can help ensure you don't become dehydrated."
