Is pre-surgery colon cleansing standard?

Got my pre-op instructions, and I have to do the same routine that I did before getting a colonoscopy -- drinking this vile liquid (better when you drink with gatorade) and then being amazed that every last thing inside you gets whooshed out (trying not to be graphic). I haven't seen anyone else mention this on the forum. Is it normal? (I'm getting a laparascopic supracervical hysterectomy)

There appears to be no universal standard for colon or bowel cleansing before surgery. Some women are told to drink magnesium citrate. Some are told to administer Fleet enemas to themselves. Directions for what you can eat and drink the last 24 hours before surgery are all over the place!

In my case, I was told clear liquids only after 5 PM the day before surgery, not at all to eat or drink (including water) after midnight. When I arrived at the hospital at 9:30 AM, a nurse administered a Fleet enema. 15-20 minutes later, whoosh!

Here's the one rule that everyone has to follow: do what your doctor and hospital tell you to do, no more, no less.

I was on clear liquid diet 24 hours before surgery and had to do 3 enemas. 1 the night before and 2 the morning of.

I had no bowel prep. I was allowed to eat or drink whatever I wanted until midnight the night before. No enemas or anything before. I had no problems after. It really does vary by doctor.

I have to drink clear liquids after lunch tomorrow and then a suppository at 6pm. Nothing after midnight.

Thanks so much for taking time to reply when you're so close to the big day! I really appreciate it. Good luck and take care of yourself.

I had no bowel cleanse pre surgery. Allowed to eat and drink whatever I wanted until midnight and the clear liquids until 8 am day of surgery.

I too have the lively bowel prep for LSH. My nurse told me that it is helpful to have the intestines lying flat so dr. Can see better !!!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Research chick Got my pre-op instructions, and I have to do the same routine that I did before getting a colonoscopy -- drinking this vile liquid (better when you drink with gatorade) and then being amazed that every last thing inside you gets whooshed out (trying not to be graphic). I haven't seen anyone else mention this on the forum. Is it normal? (I'm getting a laparascopic supracervical hysterectomy)

Research Chick

I had robotic surgery and had a bowel cleanse and clear liquid diet, nothing red.

I was told this was in case the bowel was nicked it reduced chance of sepsis.

Good luck with the cleanse.

I had the DaVinci and was not instructed to do any bowel prep. Only restriction (other than not to use certain meds or herbs/vitamins) was not eating or drinking after midnight.
I was so glad because the bowel prep before my colonoscopy (years ago) had caused such bad hemorrhoids (spelling?) that I had to go to a specialist and get rubber bands on them to get rid of them. Awkward and uncomfortable! (but worked real well)