IUSM IU
Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology  |  Department of Medicine
Bowel Preparation Instructions

Specific preparation instructions for different procedures are available on the Gastroenterology Division web site.


Post Total Colectomy Preparation Instructions - for ALL Patients

These instructions are for patients who have had all of their colon removed and are preparing for a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy procedure.

Your procedure is scheduled on ___________________ at ____________________AM / PM.

Please arrive 1 hour early to allow our front office to register you properly and to give the assessment nurses time to review your paper work, to give the necessary enemas, and to start an IV access when needed for successful sedation.

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE DAY YOU RECEIVE THEM

About Sigmoidospy/Colonoscopy
Some bowel preparation (cleansing) is needed to perform your procedure effectively. Any stool remaining in the colon can hide lesions and result in the need to repeat the procedure. You should plan to be at the hospital at least 2-4 hours. It is critical that you follow the instructions as directed.

The physician will discuss your procedure with you when you are in the recovery room. If you had any biopsies taken, you will receive a letter with those results, usually 2-3 weeks after the procedure. If there are serious findings on the biopsy, your physician will contact you.

Every effort will be made to keep your appointment at the scheduled time, but in medicine, unexpected delays and emergencies may occur and your waiting time may be prolonged. We give each patient the attention needed for his or her procedure.

If you have questions or must cancel, please call 317-963-4040 or 1-877-962-4040 as soon as possible.

What to Bring

  1. The completed enclosed forms.
  2. The first and last name and address of all doctors you want to receive a copy of your procedure report.
  3. Someone to drive you home. Sedation is usually given during your procedure. If you have not arranged for someone to drive home your procedure may be cancelled. The person who signs you out must be with you on the unit before you can be released. You will not be able to drive, operate machinery, make important decisions or return to work for the rest of the day. You may resume normal activities the next day unless the doctor states otherwise.
  4. A copy of relevant medical records from your referring physician.
  5. Your insurance cards. If your insurance has changed since your appointment was scheduled, please contact us immediately. Many insurance carriers (not Medicare) and managed care organizations require preauthorization or precertification. To obtain coverage for these procedures, we recommend you contact your insurance company. The phone number is usually on the back of your insurance card. If you need assistance, please call our authorization coordinator at 317-278-8660.
  6. If you need an interpreter provided please contact the Gastroenterology Department at 317-963-4040 or toll free 1-877-962-4040.

Patient Checklist
If you are affected by any of the conditions below, please follow these instructions.

Diabetes Check with your physician regarding your dose of insulin and other diabetic medications needed the day before and the day of your procedure. Inform your doctor that you will be on clear liquids the day prior to your procedure. Typically, we recommend that you do not take your oral hypoglycemic or insulin before your procedure. Bring it with you to take after your procedure. Check your blood sugar frequently while taking the prep solution and the morning of your procedure.
Heart Valve Replacement or History of Endocarditis You may need antibiotics before your procedure. Please arrive two hours before your scheduled procedure time. Do not schedule your procedure before 8:00am.
Hip or knee replacement in the past six months, vascular graft in past year, coronary stent in past 6 weeks You may need antibiotics before your procedure. Please arrive two hours before your scheduled procedure time. Do not schedule your procedure before 8:00am.
Please inform the nurse and your physician.
Aspirin If you are taking aspirin, please check with your referring or primary physician as to if or when you should stop taking the aspirin. If you are taking aspirin due to a doctor's order to prevent stroke or heart attack, we generally recommend you continue to take it.
Coumadin, Plavix, Heparin, Lovenox, or other anticoagulants Ask the physician who prescribed your medicine how to take it before and after your procedure. If you cannot contact your physician, call us several days before your exam. If you take Coumadin, you may need a blood test two hours before your exam.

What To Wear
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to step into. Wear flat shoes or tennis shoes. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.

Directions and Parking
The endoscopy unit is located on the fourth floor of the Indiana University Hospital Outpatient Center, connected to Indiana University Hospital at 550 N. University Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN. Take the gold elevator from the main lobby in the outpatient center (under the glass canopy) to the fourth floor. Turn left as you exit the elevator to the GI registration desk and waiting area. Parking is available in the attached self-pay garage located on the north side of the entrance to the outpatient center. Clarian does not pay for patient parking. Garages and parking lots are owned by IUPUI. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Valet parking is available at the entrance of the Outpatient Center for $5.00 (no tipping).

Post Total Colectomy Preparation Instructions
These instructions are for patients who have had all of their colon removed and are preparing for a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy procedure.

5 days before your procedure 2 days before your procedure The day before your procedure The day of your procedure

- Contact prescribing physician for instructions on dosage of blood thinners if you take any.

- Stop herbals, vitamins, and oral iron supplements.

- Arrange for a driver to take you home after your procedure.

- Complete forms sent from the endoscopy department. List all current medications, find insurance cards, get names and addresses of the physicians you want to receive a copy of your procedure report.

- Call the endoscopy unit for a language interpreter if needed at 317-274-0980.

- Stop any anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, for example).

- Celebrex and Tylenol are OK to use.

- Confirm that you have a driver to take you home following the procedure.

- NO SOLID FOOD
- NO ALCOHOL

- Clear liquids ALL DAY (below) until midnight, then have nothing more per mouth.

- No actual prep is given today. Upon your arrival at the GI unit tomorrow, enemas will be given to cleanse your lower GI tract.

- NO SOLID FOOD
- NO ALCOHOL

- You may take your morning medications as late as 3 hours before your scheduled procedure time. Remember to follow the special instructions for diabetic meds or blood thinners (above).

-When registering at our front desk, please inform the staff that you need enemas to complete your prep so they can inform the assessment nurses.

Clear Liquid Diet
As a rule, if you can see through it, you can drink it.

  • Gatorade is the preferred clear liquid (no red or purple)
  • Clear fruit juices, white grape juice and apple juice
  • Water
  • Kool-Aid, PowerAde (no red or purple)
  • Clear soup, broth or bouillon
  • Popsicles (no red or purple)
  • Tea or coffee without cream
  • Hard candies (no red or purple)
  • Soda pop, 7-Up, Sprite, regular or diet Pepsi and Coke, ginger ale, orange soda (no red or purple)
  • Jello (no red or purple)