Casco Bay Surgery

Colonoscopy Preparation

Hospital:

Date: Time:

Arrival Time:

Goal of Colon Preparation

To clean out your large intestine of all solid material. This allows us to do a faster, easier, more thorough examination.

Five Days Prior to Examination

No aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs (such as Alka-Seltzer), blood thinners (such as coumadin) or iron-containing drugs or vitamins. These can cause you to bleed during or after the procedure or to look like you have been bleeding (and confuse the examination). Continue to take all of your other usual medications unless instructed otherwise.

One Day Prior to Examination

1. Clear liquid diet as soon as you wake up: water, clear soups, broth, Jello, Kool Aid, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, fruit juices without fibrous material or pulp. DO NOT eat or drink milk or milk products, orange juice, red Jello or red Kool Aid (the red dyes may make us think you have colon bleeding when you do not). No alcohol.

2. Take 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of Fleets phoshosoda at 6:00 p.m. You may add 4 ounces of of clear liquid to this to improve its flavor. Follow this with 4-5 cups of clear liquids. This will cause watery diarrhea that will clean out your intestine thoroughly.

Day of Examination

1. Take 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of Fleets phosphosoda at 6:00 a.m. Add 4 ounces of clear liquids if you like and follow this with 4-5 cups of clear liquids again.

2. Take your usual medications except aspirin, etc.

3. You will receive intravenous sedation for the procedure, so bring a family member or friend to drive you home afterwards.

If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to call us.