Following the proper steps before your bowel surgery will help ensure that your operation goes smoothly.
How to prep for bowel surgery
You play an important part in preparing for your surgery. Let’s review what you will need to do.
Take your prescribed antibiotic medicine
On the day before your surgery, you may be prescribed an oral (by mouth) antibiotic, such as neomycin or metronidazole.
If prescribed, your care team will give you instructions on:
- When to take the antibiotic medicine.
- How much antibiotic medicine to take.
Drink only clear liquids
Your care team will tell you what time you should start drinking only clear liquids the day before your surgery. They will also give you a list of approved clear liquids.
Clean out your bowel before surgery
Cleaning out your bowel—which is also called the colon or large intestine—before your surgery is another important step. To do this, you will need to drink a special liquid, called a bowel prep, the day before your surgery. Your care team will give you instructions.
What to do if you have discomfort while preparing for bowel surgery
If you have very bad stomach cramps, upset stomach, or vomiting (throwing up), call University of Iowa Health Care at 1-319-356-1616. If it is during business hours, ask to talk to a nurse in the Digestive Health Center. If it is after hours or on the weekends, ask to talk to the Surgery Resident for Digestive Health Center.
Why is it important to clean your bowels before surgery?
It is important that you drink all of the bowel prep mix as told by your care team so that your bowel is completely cleaned and free of stool (poop). Otherwise, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Expect further instructions right before your bowel surgery
When it comes to surgery, planning ahead is always important. If you have questions or want more information, please ask your care team.
Working together, we can best ensure a safe and successful surgery—and put you on the path to a speedy recovery.