Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy - Prep for Colonoscopy Procedure

Colonoscopy is a test conducted to view the inside of the colon, and can detect polyps (pre-cancerous growths), tumors, ulcers and inflamed tissue. Colonoscopy procedure is a cancer screening tool and its aim is to prevent and treat colon cancer. However, the success of the colonoscopy procedure depends on the complete visualization of the mucosal surface of the colon. This is only possible if the bowel has been completely evacuated of all fecal matter, thus bowel preparation is essential. The aim of bowel preparation for a colonoscopy procedure is to enable the physician to have a clear view of the colon. The quality of bowel evacuation determines the quality, speed, completeness and difficulty of colonoscopy. Thus bowel prep for colonoscopy procedure is crucial.

Prep for colonoscopy is considered to be worse than the actual colonoscopy. Even if virtual colonoscopy is considered over the traditional colonoscopy procedure, the same bowel prepration is required. Ideally, the colonoscopy preparation should be convenient, comprising simple instructions and a short period of dietary instructions. It must be safe with minimal side effects, such as minimal vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps. It must be effective and must efficiently clear the bowel at the end of the treatment. The taste of the colonoscopy prep drugs must be tolerable; given in small amounts to cause minimal nausea and vomiting. Stimulant laxatives such as senna, castor oil and bisacodyl were commonly used for bowel preparation before colonoscopy, prior to the 1980s. These stimulant laxatives increased peristalsis and promoted secretion of fluid into the intestinal lumen. However, they were not very effective and have been almost abandoned today.

Endoscopists use various treatments to cleanse the bowel before colonoscopy procedure. They include, but are not limited to:

Enemas

An enema refers to a liquid pumped by low pressure into the rectum, via the anal opening. The injected liquid stimulates bowel movement and assists in colon cleansing. Approximately 15 minutes to 2 hours is required for an enema. To conduct enemas, an enema kit is required, which comprises an enema bag or bucket, an enema tube, tube clamp or stop clock, enema nozzle and enema liquid. The enema bag is to be connected to the enema tube, which in turn must be connected to the enema nozzle. After clamping the enema tube, the enema bag is hung at a height of about 3-4 feet above the patient. The patient lies on his back and the nozzle is gently inserted into the anal opening. The enema fluid is allowed to flow into the colon and is stopped when there is a sensation of 'fullness'. The bowel is emptied and the entire process is repeated till the colon is cleared of solids.

Suppositories

Suppositories (solid pieces of medicines which melt when inserted into the vagina or rectum) are available, that generally stimulate the bowel movement within half an hour of insertion. The suppository is a combination of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartrate in a polyethylene glycol base that generates carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and lubrication combination causes the rectal ampulla to distend, resulting into peristalsis. These suppositories are not associated with irritation and cramping and are easy to administer. Suppositories are better than liquid enemas. Moreover, suppositories do not interfere with normal digestion and are cheaper than liquid enemas.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Electrolyte Solutions

Various polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolyte solutions are available in the market and are used to clear the colon completely before the colonoscopy procedure. Generally, these are administered through the mouth. However, in hospitals they are given through the nose, via a nasogastric tube. This solution results in loose stool and flushes all solid material from the colon. PEG is available only with a doctor's prescription and is available in an oral solution as well as a powder form. The powder has to be mixed with water, and taken prior to a colonoscopy. PEG and electrolyte solutions are available in different flavors to make it more palatable.

Sodium Phosphates Solutions

Sodium phosphate solutions are saline laxatives that draw water from parts of the body towards the bowel. This leads to stool softening and bowel movement. These solutions are available in two 45 ml doses and report better bowel cleansing than the PEG solutions. Patients are also happy as the volume of dose is lesser and causes fewer chills, less bloating and abdominal fullness. It is also cheaper than PEG. However, people suffering from bowel obstructions, congestive heart failure, kidney disease or congenital megacolon should not take this.

Due to frequent passage of liquid stools, the patients experience skin irritations around the anal opening. This can be prevented by applying petroleum jelly on the skin around the anal opening before bowel prep initiation. Moreover, after each bowel movement, use disposable wet wipes instead of toilet paper. Improper bowel preparation can lead to an unsuccessful colonoscopy, resulting in the repetition of the entire procedure.