A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a physician inserts a flexible tube with a camera through the rectum and uses it to see the entire length of the colon. The colonoscopy procedure has become increasingly important in diagnosing numerous gastrointestinal conditions, and is the gold standard in colon cancer screening. According to the book "Surgery" by Josef Fischer, the colonoscopy has made colon cancer an almost entirely preventable condition. When performing the colonoscopy, physicians can better see the walls of the colon if the colon is as empty as possible, and most physicians require their patients to use bowel cleansing formulations, such as Miralax, prior to undergoing a colonoscopy.
Step 1
Prepare Miralax cocktail. Mix the entire Miralax bottle with 2 quarts of Gatorade in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture and then chill and add ice. The solution should then be ready to drink.
Step 2
Take Dulcolax. Dulcolax is a laxative that comes in standard dose tablets. Between 4 and 7 o'clock in the evening prior to the colonoscopy, take four Dulcolax tablets. According to the book "Introduction to Surgery" by David Levien, it may take two to three hours for the pills to take effect. People who take laxatives regularly should consult their gastroenterologist, as they may need to take a larger laxative dose.
Step 3
Drink the Miralax cocktail. Approximately two hours after taking the Dulcolax tablets, start drinking the Miralax cocktail. Pace yourself, as it should take approximately three hours to finish the cocktail. That comes out to about one glass every 20 minutes.
Step 4
Use the facilities. As a result of taking the laxative and the Miralax cocktail, you should expect to use the facilities about 10 to 15 times. By the time the routine is complete, the stool should be clear or slightly cloudy.
Things You'll Need
- GatoradernDulcolaxrnMiralaxrnWater
References
- "Surgery"; Josef Fischer; 2008
- "Introduction to Surgery"; David Levien; 1999
- Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Northwest Ohio: Miralax Colonoscopy Preparation
