To prepare for your surgery, follow these steps closely. Please note that “Clear” means no sediment, it does not mean colorless. You will need to buy these supplies at least 2 days before your surgery.
MiraLAX®- At least a 51g container
Ensure Clear® or Premiere Protein® (diabetic patients only) – 4 pack (10 oz. each)
32oz of clear liquid such as Gatorade® or Crystal Light®
Antibiotics – Neomycin and Metronidazole (only if directed instructed to use)
Day before Surgery
Eat a light breakfast, and you may eat lunch if you know your system will clear by drinking more fluids. Drink only clear liquids (no sediment or pulp) after breakfast/lunch and up until 2 hours before your surgery starts. Throughout the day drink 3 bottles of Ensure Clear® or Premiere Protein®. You will drink the fourth bottle 4 hours before surgery.
Clear liquids include:
Water
Jell-O®-homemade only
Popsicles-no fruit fiber
Sparkling water or soda
Broth or bouillon
Crystal Light®
Juice-no pulp
Hard candy
Coffee or tea, no creamer – sugar is OK
Gatorade® or other sports drink
Ensure Clear® or Premiere Protein® (protein drink)
No alcohol or dairy products
Starting at 2pm, if you are passing fluid with any sediments or particles into your pouching system then drink 3 doses of MiraLAX® (51 g),
or roughly 5 tablespoons, mixed with 32oz of clear liquids.
When doing your bowel prep, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Do the surgical shower as directed in the evening.
If you have been told to take antibiotics during your bowel preparation, follow these instructions:
Starting at 5pm - take 3 tablets of metronidazole and 2 tablets of neomycin
Two hours later at 7pm - take another 3 tablets of metronidazole and 2 tablets of neomycin at 5pm
Then at 10pm, or at least 2 hours after your last dose - take the final 3 tablets of metronidazole and 2 tablets of neomycin at 5pm
Morning of Surgery
Take approved medicines.
Drink the fourth bottle of Ensure Clear® or Premiere Protein® (10 oz.), 4 hours before surgery.
Prep for surgery-shower #2.
When to Call
Steady stomach pain
Light-headed or dizzy
Cannot drink the laxative
Stool does not run clear after taking the laxative
Who to Call
Digestive Health Center: (608) 242-2800 This is a 24-hour number.
After hours and on weekends ask for the doctor on call the colorectal surgery team.
Tell them your problem. We will call you back.
Toll free: (855)-342-9900
