Bowel Preparation for Colorectal Surgery

Bowel Preparation for Colorectal Surgery

For EUA/Seton Placement/Hemorrhoidectomy/Anal Fistula, etc.

• No diet restrictions day before surgery 
• Two Fleet enemas
  If AM case: one enema two hours after dinner the night before and one enema the morning of the procedure. 
  If NOON/PM case: Two enemas the morning of procedure, an hour apart from each other.
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
• Nothing to eat or drink day of procedure until after the procedure is completed. Take all other prescribed medications as instructed with a very small amount of water.

For all Bowel cases, perineal rectosigmoidectomy, mucosal advancement flap, sphincter repair, rectocele repair, transanal excision of rectal tumor, etc.

• Day before procedure: 
  • Have a light breakfast (see diet instructions on back)
  • Remain on a clear liquid diet for the remainder of the day (see diet instructions on back) 
• If you are under the age of 65: 
  • Take 1 ½ oz Fleet phospho-soda at 2 PM and 1 ½ oz at 6 PM 
• If you are over the age of 65 OR have heart, lung, or kidney problems
  • Take Golytely 4 liters by drinking 8 oz every 10 to 15 minutes until finished. Begin this preparation at 4 p.m.
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight 
• Nothing to eat or drink the day of procedure. Take all other prescribed medications as instructed with a very small amount of water.

For patients with ileostomy

• No bowel preparation necessary 
• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight 
• Nothing to eat or drink the day of procedure. Take all other prescribed medications as instructed with a very small amount of water.

General instructions:

Purchase appropriate laxative two days before procedure.

• Fleet enemas are available over the counter at any drug store. No written prescription is necessary. Follow manufacturer instructions. 
• Oral Fleet phospho-soda laxative is available over the counter at any drug store. No prescription is necessary. Mix Fleet phospho-soda per manufacturer instructions. Suggestion in preparing Fleet phospho-soda: mix 1 ½ oz of phospho-soda with at least 4 oz of cold clear liquid (ginger ale, apple juice, Sprite, or 7-Up helps improve the taste) and drink. Follow with an 8 oz glass of clear liquid. You may then drink all the clear liquids you wish. 
• Golytely laxative is available by prescription only. Have your doctor supply you with a written prescription for Golytely or supply your doctor with a pharmacy phone number to call in Golytely prescription into your pharmacy. Prepare Golytely 4 liters per pharmacy/manufacturer instructions. You may then drink all the clear liquids you wish. 
• Individual response to laxatives vary. Preparation results may take affect anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Remain close to bathroom facilities as multiple bowel movements may occur.