The Women's Health Group

Bowel Preparation Instructions

Bowel preparation is necessary prior to some surgeries to completely empty out the entire length of your intestine. Complications can occur with an inadequate bowel preparation, so please make sure to comply with the following directions:

Purchase Prior to Surgery:

• Erythromycin and Neomycin base prescriptions
• 1.5 ounce bottle of Fleet Phospho-Soda (flavored or unflavored). Make sure you do not purchase a Fleet enema or any other Fleet products.

Day Before Surgery:

• Drink only clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Clear liquids include all of the following (but may not be red or purple in color):
  - Water
  - Clear broth
  - Gatorade, clear or yellow
  - Popsicles
  - Jell-o without fruit
  - Clear juices, apple or white grape
• At 5pm, mix 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of Fleet Phospho-Soda with four ounces of cold water and then drink.
• Follow immediately with an eight ounce glass of water.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage given in the instructions for the Fleet Phospho-Soda.
• Individual responses to laxatives vary. This prep solution often works within 30 minutes, but may take up to three hours.

Day of Surgery:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the day of your scheduled surgery.