Who Likes the Colonoscopy Prep!

Well, you aren’t alone. The procedure itself is a breeze compared to that awful stuff you have to drink in preparation. The prep is vital to a successful procedure by emptying out the intestines. There are some alternatives but they don’t have the same effect and in return, the results of the colonoscopy may not be as accurate or useful.

The procedure itself is where a gastroenterologist examines the inside of your colon and rectum using a long, flexible tube. The tube is equipped with a lighted tip and a camera and can reveal whether the colon tissues are irritated or swollen and if polyps have formed or cancer is present. Any polyps found are removed by a small wire loop on the colonoscope. To better see the colon, it must be clean and this is the most important variable in the exam.

If every last vestige of fecal matter hasn’t been eliminated, it’s possible that small growths (polyps) may be missed and can become cancerous and other abnormalities can be missed.

The prep solutions come under brand names like Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely, and Trilyte. These are all powders that consist of a laxative, along with essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium. The powder is mixed with 4 liters of water and then drank according to the doctor’s orders. The laxative and water empties and cleanses the bowel. The additional electrolytes compensate for the ones you are losing. Electrolytes are basically salts so the prep tries to compensate for the taste with the addition of super-sweet flavorings, and this makes it challenging.

There is an alternative low-volume prep solution mixed with much less water. You still drink 4 liters of fluid prior to the exam but other than the 2 cups or so of the low-volume prep solution, the other 4 liters can be water or any other clear liquid. But, low-volume prep solutions won’t clean the colon as clean as the others. There is also a risk that your electrolytes can be sent out of balance.

If you absolutely can’t get the regular prep down, talk to your doctor about the low-volume prep to see if it is viable for you to take.

Dr Fredda Branyon