Please read all instructions carefully before your procedure
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A thorough bowel preparation is essential for a safe and accurate colonoscopy. If your bowel is not adequately prepared, the procedure may need to be repeated. Please follow these instructions exactly. |
IMPORTANT2 DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
You are required to follow a LIQUID DIET
✘ YOU CANNOT EAT | ✔ YOU CAN HAVE |
No solid food of any kind No bread, rice, pasta, meat, vegetables, fruit, nuts, or cereals | ✔ Milk (full cream, skim, or low fat) ✔ Soy milk ✔ Water and clear fluids ✔ Plain yoghurt (no fruit pieces) ✔ Milk-based drinks and shakes |
1 DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
You are required to follow a CLEAR FLUIDS ONLY diet
✔ YOU CAN HAVE | ✘ YOU CANNOT HAVE |
✔ Black tea or black coffee (no milk) ✔ Clear soup or broth (no solids) ✔ Clear fruit juice (no pulp) ✔ Jelly (not red or purple coloured) ✔ Cordial (not red or purple coloured) ✔ Water — drink LIBERALLY all day | ✘ Milk or soy milk ✘ Red or purple coloured drinks, jelly, or cordial ✘ Any solid food ✘ Alcohol ✘ Cloudy or pulpy juices |
BOWEL PREPARATION SCHEDULE — 1 DAY BEFORE
Take your bowel preparation exactly as scheduled below. Do not skip or delay any dose.
TIME | PREPARATION | INSTRUCTIONS |
2:00 PM | PICO PREP | Mix one sachet with a full glass of cold water. Drink immediately, followed by at least 2 large glasses of water. |
6:00 PM | GLYCOPREP | Mix the full sachet as directed on the packaging. Drink the entire contents over 1 hour. Continue drinking water liberally. |
10:00 PM | PICO PREP | Mix one sachet with a full glass of cold water. Drink immediately, followed by at least 2 large glasses of water. |
💧 DRINK WATER LIBERALLY It is essential that you drink water liberally throughout the day before your procedure AND on the morning of your procedure (until your fasting time). Staying well hydrated helps the bowel preparation work effectively and reduces discomfort. |
DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE — FASTING INSTRUCTIONS
You may have WATER ONLY on the morning of your procedure, until the fasting time specified by the hospital. After your hospital-specified fasting time: NIL BY MOUTH — nothing to eat or drink at all. The hospital will contact you with your specific fasting time. If you have not received this, please call the hospital admissions team directly. |
MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS
⚠ BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS — READ CAREFULLY If you take any of the following medications, they may need to be stopped before your procedure. Dr Kaushal will advise you if this applies to you:
Dr Kaushal will advise you if any of these need to be stopped prior to your procedure. Do not stop any medication without specific instruction to do so. |
✔ ALL OTHER MEDICATIONS You may take all your usual medications on the morning of the procedure with a small sip of water, unless specifically instructed otherwise by Dr Kaushal or the Anaesthetist. |
YOUR PREPARATION CHECKLIST
☐ | 2 days before — liquid diet only (milk and soy permitted) |
☐ | 1 day before — clear fluids only (no red or purple coloured drinks or jelly) |
☐ | 2:00 PM — take PICO PREP, followed by large glasses of water |
☐ | 6:00 PM — take GLYCOPREP over 1 hour, continue drinking water |
☐ | 10:00 PM — take PICO PREP, followed by large glasses of water |
☐ | Drink water liberally throughout the day before and morning of procedure |
☐ | Morning of procedure — water only until hospital fasting time, then NIL BY MOUTH |
☐ | Confirmed blood thinner medications with Dr Kaushal’s rooms if applicable |
☐ | Arranged a responsible adult to drive you home — you cannot drive after sedation |
☐ | Confirmed your arrival time with the hospital |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I vomit after taking the bowel prep? |
A: Nausea and vomiting can occasionally occur with bowel preparation. If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking a dose, wait 30 minutes and then try to take another small amount of the preparation slowly. If you are unable to keep any of the preparation down, contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms or the hospital. Do not skip a dose without seeking advice — an incomplete preparation may mean the procedure cannot go ahead. |
Q: The bowel prep is making me feel very unwell — what should I do? |
A: Some bloating, cramping, and nausea are normal during bowel preparation. Continue drinking water liberally. If you experience severe abdominal pain, are unable to keep fluids down, feel faint, or are very unwell, contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 or the hospital directly. If out of hours and you are concerned, present to the nearest emergency department. |
Q: My stool has not become completely clear — is this a problem? |
A: Ideally, your bowel motions should become clear or light yellow liquid by the morning of your procedure. If there is still significant brown or solid material, contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms as soon as possible. In some cases, additional preparation may be required. Do not assume the procedure will proceed — always check if you are unsure. |
Q: Can I take my diabetes medication on the day? |
A: Diabetes medications need special attention. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medications (such as metformin, gliclazide, or SGLT-2 inhibitors), please contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms or your GP for specific instructions. Dose adjustments are often required on the day of fasting. Do not take your usual dose without guidance, as fasting significantly affects blood sugar management. |
Q: Can I drink anything other than water on the morning of my procedure? |
A: On the morning of your procedure, you may have WATER ONLY — until the fasting time the hospital has specified. No tea, coffee, juice, or other drinks. After your hospital-specified fasting time, nothing at all — not even water. This is a safety requirement for sedation. |
Q: Do I need to stop my iron tablets or supplements? |
A: Yes. Iron tablets and iron supplements should be stopped at least 5 days before your colonoscopy. Iron can coat the bowel wall and significantly reduce visibility during the procedure. If you are unsure whether a supplement contains iron, check the label or contact the rooms. |
Q: I have not received my fasting time from the hospital — what do I do? |
A: Contact the hospital admissions team directly to confirm your arrival and fasting time. If you are unsure which number to call, Dr Kaushal’s rooms on (02) 7906 8312 can assist you with the correct hospital contact details. |
Q: Can someone stay with me during my procedure? |
A: A support person can accompany you to the hospital and wait in the waiting area during your procedure. They will be called to join you once you are in the recovery area. Your support person must be available to drive you home — you cannot leave unaccompanied after sedation. |
Q: What if I am on a blood thinner not listed in these instructions? |
A: Contact Dr Kaushal’s rooms as soon as possible on (02) 7906 8312. There are many anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications and the management of each varies. Do not stop or continue any blood-thinning medication without specific guidance from Dr Kaushal or the Anaesthetist. |
Q: Is the bowel preparation the same for everyone? |
A: The standard preparation for most patients is: PICO PREP at 2pm, GLYCOPREP at 6pm, and PICO PREP at 10pm, the day before your procedure. However, Dr Kaushal may occasionally adjust this schedule for individual patients. Always follow the specific instructions provided to you at your consultation. If in doubt, contact the rooms to confirm. |
Contact Dr Kaushal’s Rooms:
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Dr Devesh Kaushal | Liverpool Consulting Rooms Phone: (02) 7906 8312 | Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Operating at: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public & Private Hospital | The George Hospital |