Purpose of bowel prep

I went to my pre-op yesterday and I wasnt given instructions to do a bowl prep. I was just wondering, what is the reason for doing one? Im having a tvh on tuesday...should I call my doctor and tell her I wasnt instructed to do it...Just want to make sure they didnt forget.

The doctor is the one who orders the bowel prep. However, doctors decide if a bowel prep is needed and which one is needed for each individual patient.

If you think it may have been overlooked, then do call your doctors office and ask. My doctor did not order a bowel prep for me, and I did fine.

It is important that you only do what your doctor orders and nothing more. Doing an unneccessary bowel prep can throw your electrolytes off and postpone your surgery.

So.....sure, go ahead and call your doctors office if it will give you peace of mind. It would be worth it.

,
Kay

I didn't have to do a bowel prep, either. All I was told was to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night before surgery. (I did have a snack at about 11:30, too!)

Best wishes to you.

No bowel prep for me either. I had my surgery yesterday. TVH as well. I had no problems

Some Dr's want the bowel to be completely empty prior to the surgery incase of an accidental nick. Like the others have said, if you feel you've been misinformed don't hesitate to call your Dr.

Take care
diana

My doctor told me a bowel prep would help with the gas afterward--but I'm having a TAH--it might be different for you.

I'm having a LAVH on Tuesday with no mention of bowel prep here. Just no eating and drinking after midnight.

I didn't have to do a bowel prep either! Although I did try to eat a bit lighter the day before, nothing spicy to irritate my stomach.

My doctor instructed me to use a Fleet enema the night before surgery.

Thank you everyone. I called my doctor and she said I didnt have to do one for my surgey. I was so happy to hear that!
I will probaly eat light for a day or two before surgery thou, just incase it helps.