Prior to my sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or colorectal surgery, will I require any special bowel preparation?
So that the lining of the colon can well-visualized during colonoscopy, it is necessary to remove the stool using laxatives taken by mouth. Popular choices include GoLytely®, Nulytely®, Fleet® Phosphosoda, and Magnesium Citrate. Preparation for sigmoidoscopy, a test that views only the lower portion of the colon, is routinely done with enemas (often, Fleet® enemas). Your physician will choose a regimen which will allow the most comfort while appropriately cleansing your colon. Preparation for an abdominal colon resection or rectal excision requires that your colon be cleansed of stool and bacteria. This cleansing allows for a safer anastomosis (joining of two pieces of bowel), and decreases the incidence of wound infection. Your physician will choose the appropriate regimen for you, which may include oral antibiotics such as erythromycin, neomycin, or ciprofloxacin. It is very important that, whichever plan is established, you follow the prescription completely. If you are unable to co
