Bowel preparation for colonoscopy with
Department of Endoscopy
(312) 942-5861
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Split Dose GoLytely
Your appointment is on: (date)________ (time)________ With Dr. _______________________
You are scheduled to have your test done at RUSH University Medical Center: 1725 W Harrison Street.
o Go to Professional Bldg. II, Elevator II, Suite 337. Notify the receptionist that you have arrived.
o Arrive 45 minutes before scheduled time.
READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED TEST DATE
What is a
colonoscopy
This is an examination of your large intestine (colon). A long flexible tube (colonoscope) will be
inserted into your rectum and passed through your colon. If necessary, a tissue sample (biopsy),
or removal of a growth (polyp), may be done.
The day
BEFORE the
colonoscopy
1. Pick up a prescription for GoLytely.
2. DIET:
 You may have a regular breakfast.
 FOR DINNER & LUNCH, ONLY EAT CLEAR LIQUIDS. NO SOLID FOODS. Clear
liquids include water, ginger ale, apple juice, Gatorade, lemonade, and broth. No red
or purple liquids.
 Nothing to eat after midnight.
3. BOWEL PREP:
 At approximately 6pm begin taking the bowel prep (instructions below).
The day of
the
colonoscopy
1. DIET:
 NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK (except for prep and small sips of water for meds).
2. BOWEL PREP:
 3-4 hours before you leave your house, complete the remaining bowel prep. Stool
must be liquid and clear without solid material in order to proceed with successful
colonoscopy.
3. MEDICATIONS:
 OK to take your usual medications, including aspirin. Some exceptions:
i. If you have diabetes, do not take your usual dose of insulin and oral diabetes
medications; check with your primary care doctor regarding these
medications. Bring your insulin with you to the exam.
ii. If you are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin,
dabigatran (Pradaxa) or antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix),
check with your primary care doctor and your gastroenterologist; They may
need to be held for up to 5 days before your colonoscopy.
iii. Do not take iron pills, herbal medicines or supplements for 7 days before
exam.
4. TRANSPORTATION:
 Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after the procedure. You
cannot use public transportation or a taxi cab. Colonoscopy involves sedation, and
you will not be allowed to leave unaccompanied. NO EXCEPTIONS.
5. WHAT TO BRING:
 A picture ID, proof of insurance, list of your medications and allergies, and your
referral form (if your insurance requires it).
Department of Endoscopy
(312) 942-5861
The EXAM
1. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes. However, you will be in the office for 3 to 4 hours.
2. A nurse will check you in, ask questions about your health, and place a needle (IV) in your
hand or arm. You will need to sign a consent that will allow the doctor to perform the exam.
3. You will lie on your left side. You will be given medicine through the IV that will help you
relax and feel sleepy but you will not be unconscious. The nurse will monitor your blood
pressure, heart rate and breathing. You may feel bloated or need to pass gas during the exam
because air is used to inflate the colon, to allow the doctor to see clearly. You will feel better
when you pass gas. Let the staff know if you are uncomfortable.
AFTER the
exam
1. In the recovery area, your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will be monitored. It will
take about 30 to 45 minutes for you to wake up from the medicine. Once you are awake, the
doctor will discuss the results of the exam with you.
2. You may have some abdominal bloating and gas after the procedure. It should resolve within
a few hours. If you have severe rectal bleeding (such as passing a cup of blood) or pain
following the procedure, contact us immediately.
3. You may eat your usual diet after the procedure, unless advised otherwise. Remember to
drink at least 4-6 more 8 oz glasses of fluids prior to bedtime to ensure adequate hydration.
4. If biopsies were taken or polyps removed, they are sent to a laboratory to be processed and
examined under a microscope. You can call to check on the results 1-2 weeks after the test. If
you would like your results mailed, please fill out a result form with your correct address.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 312-942-5861.
Department of Endoscopy
(312) 942-5861
The evening before your colonoscopy beginning at 6:00pm:
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STEP 1
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STEP 2
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STEP 3
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This product can be used with or without one of the flavor packs that comes
with the bottle.
If adding flavor, tear open flavor pack and pour contents into the bottle
BEFORE reconstitution. Discard unused flavor packs.
Add lukewarm drinking water to top line on bottle. Cap the bottle and
shake to dissolve the powder. The mixed solution will be clear and
colorless. Do not add anything else, such as additional flavorings, to the
solution after it has been mixed.
When reconstituted, keep solution refrigerated.
The reconstituted solution should be used within 48 hours.
Drink 1 (8 oz) glass of prep solution every 10-15 minutes, until ½ of the
solution (2 Liters) is finished.
The first bowel movement should begin approximately 1 hour after starting
prep administration. You will still have loose bowel movements for about 1
to 2 hours after you finish drinking the solution.
Refrigerate remaining portion of prep solution.
The morning of your colonoscopy beginning 3-4 hours before you leave home:
STEP 3
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Repeat step 3 using the remaining ½ of prep solution.
NOTE: You must finish drinking the final glass of prep solution at least 2 hours
before your procedure.
Stool must be liquid and clear without solid material in order to proceed with
successful colonoscopy.