Bowel preparation

Bowel preparation (or bowel prep) is a way to make sure that your child's bowels are empty before your child has surgery. It's done to lower the risk of infection. It is very important if your child has bowel surgery. But it may also be done before other surgery in the belly or before a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

There are different types of bowel prep. Your child may need to drink a liquid that makes them have to go to the bathroom a lot. Or you may give your child an enema. Your doctor will tell you what kind of prep your child needs.

Bowel prep can be uncomfortable. Your child may spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Bowel prep can take up to 12 hours, depending on the method your child uses.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• 1 to 2 days before the test, you will stop eating solid foods and will drink only clear fluids, such as water, tea, coffee, clear juices, clear broths, flavored ice pops, and gelatin dessert.
  • Do not drink milk or juice with pulp, such as orange juice. These are not clear fluids.
  • Do not drink anything red or purple, such as grape juice or fruit punch.
  • Do not eat red or purple foods, such as grape flavored ice pops or cherry gelatin dessert.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated.
• The night before your test, you may have to take a laxative tablet or liquid solution. The solution can taste bad and may make you feel sick to your stomach. But it is important to drink all of it or the doctor may not be able to do the test and you will have to do the prep and test again. Here are some tips:
  • After you drink a dose of the solution, drink some water or clear fluids to help get rid of the taste.
  • You may find it easier to drink the solution if you chill it in the refrigerator first.
  • Ask your doctor if it is okay to add flavored drink mix or lemon juice to the solution, or if it's okay to suck on lemon wedges after you take a drink.
• Stay home the evening before the test. You will need to use the bathroom often.
• Do not eat any solid foods after you start the bowel prep.
• Your doctor will tell you when to stop drinking clear liquids before the procedure.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.