Module 1. Understanding and Preparing for Colonoscopy
Why is it important to follow bowel prep instructions?
Your doctor will give you the exact diet and bowel prep instructions you need to follow before your colonoscopy procedure. As Dr. Gelrud and Dr. Echavarria explain in this video, it is critically important to follow the bowel prep instructions precisely, so that you achieve a completely cleaned-out colon for a successful colonoscopy. Make sure you fully read the instructions from your doctor ahead of time and that you plan accordingly. The goal of bowel prep is to have a completely clean colon so that your doctor can easily find and remove polyps or other abnormalities. If your bowel prep is not done properly, your doctor may not be able to clearly see inside your colon. As a result, polyps or other abnormalities may be missed, your colonoscopy may take longer than usual, or it is likely that you will have to repeat the whole procedure again. To avoid these scenarios, follow the exact bowel prep instructions for your colonoscopy procedure.
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This educational activity has been developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Boston Scientific and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their health care professionals for optimal outcomes.