![]() The alternative is to consume the entire solution - which is around 2 liters or 8.5 cups - the evening before. Colonoscopy prep drinkĪ bowel cleansing drink containing a laxative is also part of the colonoscopy prep diet process.įor a morning colonoscopy, current guidelines recommend a split-dose regimen, which involves drinking half the solution the evening before the colonoscopy and the second half the day of the procedure - usually, several hours before ( 9). ![]() One study showed that a 3-day low-residue diet did not improve colonoscopy preparation results compared to a 1-day low-residue diet ( 8).īased on these findings, current guidelines recommend following a low-residue diet only the day before a colonoscopy ( 9). It’s also unnecessary to follow the low-residue diet for several days. ![]() These studies also showed that patients experienced fewer side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hunger compared with a clear liquid diet. To this point, multiple meta-analyses involving nearly 50 studies have shown that a low-residue diet is just as effective as a clear liquid diet for achieving adequate bowel preparation before a colonoscopy ( 5, 6, 7). However, this protocol is very strict and makes the preparation process difficult to follow.Īlthough some doctors still prescribe the low-residue diet for several days leading up to the procedure followed by a clear liquid diet the day before, current evidence suggests this protocol is unnecessary. Its purpose is to clear your bowels out, even more, leaving behind no undigested residue. Colonoscopy prep dietįor many years, the standard protocol for a colonoscopy prep diet would involve following a low-residue diet 3–5 days prior to a colonoscopy and a clear liquid diet the day before ( 3).Ī low-residue diet - also known as a low-fiber diet - limits foods that contain fiber so that you have smaller and fewer bowel movements.Ī clear liquid diet is a type of liquid diet that allows only clear liquids such as broths, popsicles, and tea or coffee with no added milk or cream. Unfortunately, inadequate bowel preparations occur 10–25% of the time, in part due to poor compliance with the colonoscopy prep diet ( 3, 4). In some instances, a colonoscopy may need to be stopped and rescheduled if the bowel is not adequately cleansed. Without a clear view, the procedure can take longer, there’s a greater risk of complications, and it’s more difficult for the doctor to identify potential cancer or signs of diseases ( 1). The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults aged 45 to 75 years be screened for colorectal cancer and undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years thereafter ( 2).īeyond its use for diagnosing colorectal cancer, it can also be used to diagnose, treat, or plan for surgical interventions for inflammatory conditions like diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis ( 1).īefore receiving a colonoscopy, bowel preparation is needed.īowel prep ensures that your colon is empty and mostly free of stool so that the doctor can clearly view the colon lining. The procedure is commonly performed to screen for colorectal cancer. What is a colonoscopy?Ī colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to view your colon or large intestine using a flexible camera called a colonoscope ( 1). This article explains the purpose of the colonoscopy prep diet, what foods to eat and avoid leading up to the procedure, and provides a sample colonoscopy prep diet menu. However, preparation is necessary to ensure a safe and successful colonoscopy. Understandably, the colonoscopy prep diet process can be more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.
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