PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Your prep is important. We will work with you to make sure that your preparation is not terribly difficult and, more importantly, that it works! A perfect prep means that you have the best possible screening process.

When a patient is perfectly prepped for a procedure, the procedure can be performed as planned and the diagnosis or treatment that results from the procedure will be of the highest possible quality. A poor prep process can result in cancellation of a test/procedure, or questionable results. In either case, the test or procedure may have to be repeated, after the patient has been properly prepped.

How does one have a “perfect prep”? The best way to prepare is to partner with your physician. Your doctor’s job is to give you all the information needed and your job is to read and follow directions to the letter. The staff at GI Associates is available to help you if you do not understand the procedures.

Lower GI preps have come a long way over the last few years and now are a much easier process than they once were. Prep solutions have dramatically improved. They are more effective and efficient and cause less discomfort. Due to their increased effectiveness, you may not have to drink as much volume of the solution to cleanse your colon.

The newer solutions work quickly and are very effective in terms of emptying and cleansing the colon and lower GI tract. They come in many different flavors. What do they taste like? They are a bit salty with whatever flavor chosen, if you decide to add flavor to your prep. How do they work? The patient drinks all of the prep solution, which involves drinking a glassful every 10-15 minutes or so. That causes the colon to empty by producing diarrhea. It works quickly and effectively.