Preparation for a colonoscopy is a critically important part of the exam. If your bowel is not adequately cleaned out before the exam, the doctor will not be able to identify polyps (pre-cancerous lesions), the exam could take longer to complete and be more difficult, and there could be an increased use of anesthesia. Having an optimal prep is essential to a very thorough exam.
Before the procedure, you will have to take an oral laxative solution called “a bowel prep”, “a prep” or “a preparation” to clean out your bowel. Specific prep instructions vary, but the prep usually begins 1 to 2 days before your procedure. Please read the prep instructions given to you by your physician to understand what you should do 1 day or 2 days before your colonoscopy.
For more information visit our bowel prep instructions page and select the specific bowel prep prescribed for you by your physician.