Scheduled surgery time
You will get a call 1 to 3 business days before your surgery. They will tell you what time to check in for your surgery. Write the time down. Please call 319-384-8039 if you do not get a call by 6 p.m.
Your care team will do all they can to keep your surgery on time. Emergencies may change the schedule.
Bowel preparation (prep) and diet
Most people having colon and rectal surgeries need a bowel prep and antibiotics the day before surgery. This helps lower your risk of infection. If you do not finish your bowel prep, your surgery may be canceled.
Your doctor will tell you if you need a bowel prep. If you do, a prescription for the prep will be sent to your pharmacy.
Day before surgery
Keep eating and drinking as normal until noon the day before surgery. Then, start your prep:
Noon (12 p.m.) Start a clear liquid diet. Keep drinking clear liquids during the evening. Clear liquids are:
- Apple or white grape juice
- Clear protein drinks (Ensure Clear®, protein water, Premier Protein®, Fizzique®)
- Coffee or tea (do not use milk or creamer)
- Gatorade® or other sports drinks
- Ginger ale® or lemon lime soda
- Plain broth
- Popsicles
- Water
1 p.m.: Take Metronidazole® and Neomycin®.
2 p.m.: Take Metronidazole® and Neomycin®.
3 p.m.: Start drinking GoLYTELY®. Drink 1 cup every 10 minutes. Bowel movements often start within 1 hour.
- Drink 800 mL (27 oz) of clear liquids after the bowel prep is gone. This will help you stay hydrated. Keep drinking clear liquids the day of surgery so you do not get dehydrated. Keep drinking clear liquids until 2 hours before your surgery. Do not drink within 2 hours of your surgery.
11 p.m.: Take Metronidazole® and Neomycin®.
You may get nauseous and throw-up the prep. If this happens, take a break for 30 minutes. Then, try to drink clear liquids. If you do not throw up the clear liquids, try the prep again. If you do not finish the bowel prep your surgery may be cancelled.
Other important reminders for colorectal surgery
Follow the instructions you were given about your blood thinner and diabetes medicines.
Bathing before surgery:
- The night before, wash with the soap you were given.
- Do not shave your abdomen or pubic hair. Shaving before your surgery gives you a higher chance of getting an infection. A person from your care team will use clippers if hair needs to be removed.