Let's learn exactly about colonoscopy prep!

Has your doctor told you that you need to have a colonoscopy? That said, it's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you learn that you need to completely clean your stomach (Bowel Prep) before doing so. In fact, many people say that the colon cleanse is the most difficult and troublesome part of the procedure. But once you know exactly what it is and how it happens, your fear will disappear. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

Why is this stomach cleanse (Prep) so important?

Simply put, for a colonoscopy to be successful, your colon needs to be completely clean. Think about it, if you want to properly examine a room, you need to remove and empty all the clutter, right? It's like that.

If there is stool left in your colon, the doctor won't be able to see the walls of your colon properly. Small growths that can turn into cancer, called polyps , are often very small. They can be missed if they are attached to the walls of your colon and become covered by a layer of stool. That's why it's important to clean your colon before the exam, as if you've just washed it out.

What is this Bowel Prep Kit?

This is a special oral laxative that you are given the day before your colonoscopy. It is usually taken as a liquid. When you take it, you will have to go to the bathroom more often and your bowels will be completely empty. There are different types of medications that doctors prescribe for this.

These medications mainly contain two components:

1. Osmotic Laxatives: These are the main active ingredients that cleanse your colon. The special thing about these is that our intestines cannot absorb these substances. So when the intestines try to expel them from the body, they draw a large amount of water into the intestines. This increased water content causes the stool to become loose, the volume of the intestines increases, and the muscles contract (we call this peristalsis ) and push everything out.

2. Electrolytes: When a large amount of water is lost from the body at once, electrolytes , such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for our body to function, are also removed from the body. This can lead to dehydration and a salt imbalance. This can be dangerous, so this stomach cleansing liquid has been added to the necessary electrolytes to prevent it.

What are the types of stomach cleansing medicines?

They can be divided into two main types based on the stomach-opening substance they contain. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate type based on your health condition.

Who is at risk for NaP (saline)?

If you have any of the following health conditions, your doctor will likely recommend a PEG-type medication because the NaP type carries a higher risk of salt imbalances.

• Kidney disease (Renal insufficiency)
• Liver disease (Hepatic insufficiency)
• Heart disease or congestive heart failure
• Heartbeat irregularities (Arrhythmia)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Being over 65 years of age

How do you choose the method that suits you best?

This really depends on your personal preferences and health status. You can discuss this with your doctor to make the best decision. Here are some things to consider:

Are you afraid that taking the medicine will be difficult?

Many people find it difficult to drink large amounts of fluid at once. That's normal. But it's important to finish the entire amount. If you're unsure, ask your doctor about these options:

• Less flavored, less volume PEGs: There are now PEGs that have added flavoring, reduced salt, and reduced the amount you need to drink (e.g. MoviPrep, Halflytely).
• NaP form (pills): If you don't have other health risks, the NaP form that comes in pill form may be convenient.

Are you worried about side effects like bloating and nausea?

There are ways to reduce these inconveniences.

• Diet: These discomforts can be greatly reduced by strictly following the dietary instructions given by the doctor (low-fiber diet, liquid diet) for a few days before the test.
• Additional medications: For things like nausea and gas, ask your doctor about medications (e.g. metoclopramide, simethicone) that you can take with the prep.
• Things you can do at home: You can add a little lime juice or a flavoring packet (not red) to the medicine liquid. You can also reduce nausea by drinking ginger tea every now and then.

When do I need to talk to the doctor during the prep?

Even though most of the time everything will be normal, it is important to report any problems immediately. In the following cases, be sure to call your doctor or hospital.

"Will I have to sleep all night?"

Probably not. If you start your prep on time, most of the stomach cleansing process should be done before you go to bed. Some preps require a split-dose. Then you have to get up in the morning and take the second dose. But you can sleep in the meantime.

"What if I need to go to the bathroom during the test?"

When the prep is successful, your stool will eventually come out like water. It should be a clear, yellow liquid with no cloudy or turbidity, and you can see the bottom . When it does, the prep is over. You won't need to go to the bathroom much at that point. But if you're nervous, it's okay to wear special underwear (underwear protection) for adults during the test.

Colonoscopy is a very important test for early detection of serious diseases such as colon cancer. For the test to be successful, it is essential to do this prep exactly. Otherwise, you may have to do the test again from the beginning. So don't be afraid of this, and follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

Colonoscopy, Colonoscopy prep, Bowel cleansing, Colonoscopy, Large intestine, Polyps, PEG, NaP, Bowel preparation, Bowel Prep