Colonoscopy Prep

The procedure

A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the large intestine (colon) using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and it usually takes 15-30 minutes.

You will be mildly sedated while the endoscopy is inserted through the anus and moved gently around the bends of the colon. If a polyp is encountered, it will be removed.

After the procedure, your vital signs are monitored until you are fully awake. Normal mild cramping and abdominal pressure usually subside within an hour or so. Due to the mild sedation, you should not drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the day. Somebody needs to accompany you to the hospital and drive you home after the procedure.

More information about the colonoscopy procedure is available here.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

Prior to the colonoscopy, your colon must be clean and free of stool. You will drink a solution that flushes the colon clean, or take laxatives and enemas. Drink only clear liquids and eat no food for the day prior to the exam. The physician will adivse you regarding the use of regular medications during that time.

There are several colon preparations available for bowel cleansing. Your physician will recommend the prep you should use, with any modifications (if necessary). The three major preps used by our office are listed below. Click on the name of the prep type to see more information. You can print these instructions for easy reference.

Citrate/Miralax Prep Royal Oak

Citrate/Miralax Prep Royal Oak

Purchase without prescription

One 10 oz. bottle of Citrate of Magnesia, One 238g bottle of Miralax, four Dulcolax laxative tablets, and 64 oz. of Gatorade, Propel Water or Smart Water

TWO DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM

Take the 10 oz. bottle of Citrate of Magnesia at 5 p.m.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAM

START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP WELL HYDRATED AND CONTINUE TO DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS THROUGHOUT THE PREPARATION.

“Clear liquids” are soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, sprite, 7-up), Gatorade, Kool Aid, apple juice or white grape juice, (clear juices, NO pulp), water or tea (no cream), popsicles (no sherbets or fruit bars), hard candies.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE.

    1. At 3 p.m., mix the one 238g bottle of Miralax with the 64 oz. of Gatorade, Smart Water or Propel. Drink an 8 oz. glass every 15-20 minutes until gone.
    2. At 6 p.m., take four Dulcolax tablets with an 8 oz. glass of water.

Suggestion: Baby wipes may be used for cleansing.

THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM:

  • You may continue to have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • It is the policy of Beaumont Hospital that you must have a companion/driver present at the hospital and to drive you home (you will have been given a sedation). Your procedure will be cancelled if this requirement is not met.
  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Report to the Registration Desk in the lobby of the North Entrance of Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak. They will direct you to the Endoscopy Unit.
  • Following your colonoscopy, you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the recovery room before being discharged. Generally, the only restriction is no driving for the rest of the day. However, you will be given detailed instructions before leaving the hospital.

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steridals &/or Aspirin products.
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

Citrate/Miralax Prep West Bloomfield

Citrate/Miralax Prep Royal Oak

Purchase without prescription

One 10 oz. bottle of Citrate of Magnesia, One 238g bottle of Miralax, four Dulcolax laxative tablets, and 64 oz. of Gatorade, Propel Water or Smart Water

TWO DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM

Take the 10 oz. bottle of Citrate of Magnesia at 5 p.m.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAM

START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP WELL HYDRATED AND CONTINUE TO DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS THROUGHOUT THE PREPARATION.

“Clear liquids” are soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, sprite, 7-up), Gatorade, Kool Aid, apple juice or white grape juice, (clear juices, NO pulp), water or tea (no cream), popsicles (no sherbets or fruit bars), hard candies.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE.

    1. At 3 p.m., mix the one 238g bottle of Miralax with the 64 oz. of Gatorade, Smart Water or Propel. Drink an 8 oz. glass every 15-20 minutes until gone.
    2. At 6 p.m., take four Dulcolax tablets with an 8 oz. glass of water.

Suggestion: Baby wipes may be used for cleansing.

THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM:

  • You may continue to have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • It is the policy of Beaumont Hospital that you must have a companion/driver present at the hospital and to drive you home (you will have been given a sedation). Your procedure will be cancelled if this requirement is not met.
  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Report to the lower level, Suite 100 of West Bloomfield Ambulatory Surgical Center.
  • Following your colonoscopy, you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the recovery room before being discharged. Generally, the only restriction is no driving for the rest of the day. However, you will be given detailed instructions before leaving the hospital.

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steridals &/or Aspirin products.
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

Miralax Prep Royal Oak

Miralax Prep

Purchase without prescription

One 238 g bottle of Miralax, four Dulcolax laxative tablets, and 64 oz. of Gatorate, Propel Water or Smart Water

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAM

START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP WELL HYDRATED AND CONTINUE TO DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS THROUGHOUT YOUR PREPARATION.

“Clear liquids” are soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, sprite, 7-up), Gatorade, Kool Aid, strained fruit juice such as apple juice or white grape juice, clear juices with no pulp, water or tea (no cream), popsicles (no sherbets or fruit bars), hard candies.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE.

    1. At 3 p.m., take four Dulcolax tablets with an 8 oz. glass of water.
    2. At 6 p.m., mix the one 238g bottle of Miralax with the 64 oz. of Gatorade, Propel or Smart Water. Drink an 8 oz. glass every 15-20 minutes until gone.

Suggestion: Baby wipes may be used for cleansing.

THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM:

  • You may continue to have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • It is the policy of Beaumont Hospital that you must have a companion/driver present at the hospital and to drive you home(you will have been given a sedation). Your procedure will be cancelled if this requirement is not met.
  • YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE A CAR FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
  • YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE BY ANY TYPE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
  • Please arrive one (1) hour prior to your appointment time. Report to the Registration Desk in the lobby of the North Entrance of Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak. They will direct you to the Endoscopy Unit.
  • Following your colonoscopy, you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the recovery room before being discharged. Generally, the only restriction is no driving for the rest of the day; however, you will be given detailed instructions before leaving the hospital.

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steroids &/or Aspirin products
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

Miralax Prep West Bloomfield

Miralax Prep

Purchase without prescription

One 238 g bottle of Miralax, four Dulcolax laxative tablets, and 64 oz. of Gatorate, Propel Water or Smart Water

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR EXAM

START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP WELL HYDRATED AND CONTINUE TO DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS THROUGHOUT YOUR PREPARATION.

“Clear liquids” are soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, sprite, 7-up), Gatorade, Kool Aid, strained fruit juice such as apple juice or white grape juice, clear juices with no pulp, water or tea (no cream), popsicles (no sherbets or fruit bars), hard candies.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE.

    1. At 3 p.m., take four Dulcolax tablets with an 8 oz. glass of water.
    2. At 6 p.m., mix the one 238g bottle of Miralax with the 64 oz. of Gatorade, Propel or Smart Water. Drink an 8 oz. glass every 15-20 minutes until gone.

Suggestion: Baby wipes may be used for cleansing.

THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM:

  • You may continue to have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • It is the policy of Beaumont Hospital that you must have a companion/driver present at the hospital and to drive you home(you will have been given a sedation). Your procedure will be cancelled if this requirement is not met.
  • YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE A CAR FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
  • YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE BY ANY TYPE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Report to the lower level, Suite 100 of West Bloomfield Ambulatory Surgical Center.
  • Following your colonoscopy, you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the recovery room before being discharged. Generally, the only restriction is no driving for the rest of the day; however, you will be given detailed instructions before leaving the hospital.

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steroids &/or Aspirin products
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

10a.m. Miralax Prep

10a.m Miralax Prep

You will need to purchase (1) 238 gram bottle of Miralax and 4 Dulcolax Laxative tablets at your pharmacy. (No prescription is required.) Also purchase a 64 oz. bottle of Gatorade, Crystal Light, Smart Water or Propel. No red or Purple

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steriodals &/or Aspirin products.
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

Modify your diet to eliminate roughage (salad) and flax seed 48 hours prior to your procedure.

Please follow the detailed preparation below the day before your procedure:

  • DRINK CLEAR FLUIDS ALL DAY (black coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit juices (no pulp), popsicles). Nothing RED or PURPLE. NO SOLID FOOD IS TO BE CONSUMED.
  • At 10:00 a.m., take (2) Dulcolax with a glass of water.
  • At 1:00 p.m. mix 238 gram bottle of Miralax in a 64 oz. bottle of Gatorade or Crystal Light, Smart Water, or Propel.
  • Drink an 8 oz. glass every 15-20 minutes until gone.
  • Take (2) Dulcolax with the last glass of (Crystal Light) Gatorade/Miralax, Smart Water, Propel or a glass of tap water.
  • Do not chew gum or hard candy after midnight, or until after your procedure.
  • You may have clear fluids up to 4 hours prior to the procedure.

**You may take your daily medications except Coumadin, Plavix or other blood thinners on the morning of your exam with water. If you have had bone replacement surgery (knee, hip, etc.) within the past year make sure that the office is aware.

Citrate/Dulcolax Prep

Citrate/Dulcolax Prep

Purchase without prescription: Two 10 oz bottle of Citrate of Magnesia and two Dulcolax tablets.

TWO Days BEFORE Your Exam: Follow a low residue diet (No fruits, vegetables or grains). Take one 10 oz bottle of Citrate of Magnesia at 5 pm.

The DAY BEFORE Your Exam: START A CLEAR LIQUID DIET

It is important that you keep well hydrated and continue to drink clear liquids throughout the preparation.

“Clear liquids” are: Water, soft drinks (orange, ginger ale, sprite, 7-up), Gatorade, Kool Aid, strained fruit juice such as apple juice or white grape juice (clear juices, NO pulp), tea (NO cream), popsicles (NO sherbets or fruit bars), hard candies.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE.

  1. At 3:00 p.m. drink the second bottle of Citrate of Magnesia
  2. At 6:00 p.m. take two Dulcolax tablets with an 8 oz glass of water.

Suggestion: Baby wipes may be used for cleansing.


The Day of your Exam:

  • You may continue to have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
  • It is the policy of Beaumont Hospital that you must have a companion/driver present at the hospital and to drive you home (you will been given a sedation). Your procedure will be cancelled if this requirement is not met
  • Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your appointment time. Report to the registration desk in the lobby of the NORTH ENTRANCE of Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. They will direct you to the Endoscopy Unit.
  • Following your colonoscopy, you will spend approximately 30 minutes in the recovery room before being discharged. Generally, the only restriction is no driving for the rest of the day. However, you will be given detailed instructions before leaving the hospital.

IMPORTANT!!

  • You may continue to take all prescription medications during the preparation of this exam; however, all ASPIRIN, IBUPROFIN, PLAVIX, COUMADIN, PERSANTINE, OR ANY TYPE OF BLOOD THINNERS MUST BE DISCONTINUED 5 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXAM. Our office will advise you if you need to consult with your physician regarding changes in medication dosage and/or medical clearance before your procedure.
  • Natural/Herbal Supplements should be discontinued for two weeks prior to the exam (such as St. Johns Wart, Ginkgo Biloba, Kava Kava, Garlic, Ginger).
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Preparation - AM

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Preparation (AM Preparation)

No solid food after 6:00 p.m. the night prior to your examination. You may continue to have clear liquids up until your appointment time.

You will need to purchase two Saline Laxative FLEET ENEMAS (green and white box) over the counter at any pharmacy. Administer the first enema no more than 2 hours prior to your appointment. After evacuating the first enema, administer the second one. If the second enema does not run clear, fill the empty Fleet container with warm tap water and repeat.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Preparation - PM

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Preparation (PM Preparation)

You may have a light breakfast before 9:00 am the morning of your appointment. You may continue to have clear liquids up until your appointment time.

You will need to purchase two Saline Laxative FLEET ENEMAS (green and white box) over the counter at any pharmacy. Administer the first enema no more than 2 hours prior to your appointment. After evacuating the first enema, administer the second one. If the second enema does not run clear, fill the empty Fleet container with warm tap water and repeat.

Clear Liquid Diet Preparation

Clear Liquid Diet Preparation

**IMPORTANT**

  • Please Notify the office if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, antiplatlet medications, NSAIDS/non-steroidals &/or Aspirin products.
  • These medications must be DISCONTINUED prior to your procedure.
  • Please contact your physician for guidance of discontinuation.
  • Please contact your physician for dosage adjustments of diabetic medications prior to procedure.
  • Hold herbal supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery; hold Vitamin E products for 7 days.
  • Insulin-dependent diabetics should contact their personal physician for dosage instructions prior to the procedure.
  1. You will need to follow a clear liquid diet for your dinner the night prior to surgery See below for a list of “clear liquids”
  2. Have nothing to eat after 10:00 p.m. the night prior to surgery.
  3. Stop clear fluids 2 hours prior to surgery.

“Clear Liquids”
Water, soft drinks(Orange, Ginger Ale, Cola, Sprite, 7-Up), Gatorade, Kool-Aid, apple juice or white grape juice ( clear juices, NO pulp), tea (NO cream), popsicles, (NO sherberts or fruit bars), hard candies. Do not eat or drink anything colored red or purple.

The hospital will call the day before the procedure to give you the time of surgery.