What's a bowel prep?

My doc hasn't said anything about this but I see alot of posts that talk about it?! Does everyone have to get it and why or why not?

Thank You For Reading and for all of Your Support!!!!

Hi. This is done the day prior to surgery to completely empty your colon. My understanding is that should any complications rise during surgery regarding the bowel, it would be clean & ready to repair. Otherwise infection would be a major risk. My prep is simple & not nearly as involved as the one for my colonoscopys that I've had.

Not all doctors require it, I didnt have to have one and i had a LAVH... I did however eat light the day before surgery...

I have to use enema the night before surgery, Is that what you are talking about?

No, I just have to drink an 8oz. bottle of citrate. No enema. I imagine each doctor handles this differently.

it was miserable... my prep was extensive. Laxatives, liquid diet, then no food, miralax etc. It protects you in case of a nicked bowel. If your Dr. hasn't mentioned it, don't worry about it. You can always call in.

Every doc is different. I have had two abdominal surgeries. One was for a hysterectomy and the other was to clean up the mess from another dr. Adhesions were removed/regrowth of right ovary was removed and left ovary was removed. The first time I had to drink the nitrate. It was yucky(very salty to taste) and I ran back and forth to the bathroom all night, was still going the morning of surgery. The second was just an enema. Which was quick and less harsh. If your dr hasn't said you need one then I would just double check with him to make sure. If he says you don't need one then I would do the enema and basic liquid/light diet the day before. I went to a light diet of soup and jello the day before. Did my enema at 8p and went to all liquids after the enema was done. But did the liquids up till midnight. Popsicles and jello were my best friends the night before surgery. This way you are hydrated when you go into the hospital and don't feel so yucky before the surgery even starts. Good luck on your surgery.

Thanks for the info! I will try to stay to a light liquid diet the day before surgery that"s a good idea! Best wishes!

I am having surgery this Thursday and my Dr. is having me do the 8oz of citrate and a liqud diet tomorrow AM. I am not looking forward to that. Good luck to you.

(((Ladies)))

Please, do NOT do any type of prep, including a liquid diet and/or enema, without checking with your doctor first. If you do any type of prep and your doctor has not instructed you to do so, your surgery can be canceled. Your doctor will proceed based on what s/he has instructed for you and if you adjust those orders without informing your doctor, complications can arise putting you at risk for problems.

If you have any doubts about what your doctor has ordered for you, call and ask. It is very important to get this part right!

S