Colonoscopy prep: A little time and effort, a big result

Health and wellness

Let’s face it—no one’s excited about prepping for a colonoscopy, but here’s the deal: it’s a small effort for a huge health win. This quick reset for your digestive system helps your doctor catch any issues early. With good results and no family history, you might even be set for the next 10 years.

Stuart Triester, MD, medical director, HonorHealth Gastroenterology, shares tips to make prep a breeze, so you can focus on feeling good about putting your health first.

Prep like a pro

"A colonoscopy requires a clean colon," says Dr. Triester. "Your bowel must be empty so we can get a good look inside.” Follow these easy steps, and you'll be all set:

1. Stick to a liquid diet

Your doctor will recommend a liquid diet before starting the laxative or prep. Approved options include:

  • Water
  • Black coffee or tea
  • Clear or light-colored juices
  • Clear broths (chicken, beef or vegetable)
  • Sports drinks
  • Gelatin without fruit


Avoid these:

  • Alcohol
  • Milk, milkshakes or smoothies
  • Orange, tomato or grapefruit juices
  • Cooked cereal
  • Red or purple-dyed juices or gelatin

2. Prepare for the prep

Today’s colonoscopy preps are smaller in volume and easier to tolerate. To improve the taste:

  • Mix with a light-colored flavoring agent like Crystal Light, Gatorade or Sprite.
  • Drink it chilled or through a straw for added comfort.


3. Use the split-dose method

Split-dose prep is now the standard of care:

  • Take the first dose at 6 p.m. the evening before your procedure.
  • Take the second dose about six hours before your procedure.

In addition to cleaner colons, splitting the prep also means less to drink at one time. The lowest volume preps require only 5 ounces of solution for each of the two parts, followed by a moderate amount of water. It’s easier to tolerate a smaller amount of liquid.  For those who prefer, there are tablet-based preps now available as well.
 

4. Adjust timing if necessary

Depending on when your procedure is scheduled, you may have to get up during the night to complete the prep. It’s worth it, though, because bowel preps are better when they’re done this way.

Some situations still require the larger preparation — patients with chronic constipation may need this or your insurance may favor a particular prep.

30 minutes to better health

You can maintain your daily routine on a clear liquid diet the day before the test and begin the laxative regimen that evening, with your time commitment limited to the night before and the day of the procedure.

The colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor uses a flexible, lighted colonoscope to examine your colon while you’re sedated. “You’ll sleep through it,” says Dr. Triester. Have a friend or family member drive you home, and avoid driving, alcohol, machinery or legal decisions for 24 hours afterward.

A colonoscopy requires some effort, but it can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. If colon cancer is found, early detection greatly improves outcomes. Overall, the effort is worth it for a clean colon and the maximum benefit from the test.

Taking care of your health is a team effort, and at HonorHealth, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s providing tips for a smoother prep, helping you choose the right screening option or making scheduling as easy as possible, we’re committed to collaborating with you to protect your well-being. Together, we’ll make sure you feel supported and confident in taking this important step toward a healthier future.

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