Bowel preparation for colonoscopy - how to achieve optimal cleansing

Thorough bowel preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy. A clean bowel enables a precise assessment of the intestinal mucosa and increases the safety and success of the examination.

Why is bowel cleansing so important?

Polyps, inflammation or other changes can only be reliably detected if the bowel is completely clean. Inadequate preparation can impair visibility, making it necessary to repeat the examination.

This is how bowel preparation works step by step

Adjust your diet (3-5 days before the colonoscopy):

Favor easily digestible foods such as white bread, clear soups, yogurt or boiled potatoes.

• Allowed foods
  • White bread, toast, light-colored rolls
  • Rice, potatoes (without skin), light-colored pasta
  • Cooked or pureed vegetables (e.g. carrots, zucchinis without peel)
  • Lean meat, poultry, fish (without breading)
  • Yoghurt, quark, mild cheeses (without grains or seeds)
  • Eggs, omelettes, soft scrambled eggs
  • Clear broths, light soups without garnish
  • Banana, apple sauce, peeled apples (without skin, no berries or dried fruit)
• Avoid high-fiber foods such as whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes and raw vegetables.
• Why low in fiber? Fiber is difficult to digest and can leave residue in the intestines that interferes with vision during colonoscopy. A low-fiber diet helps to optimally prepare the bowel for the examination.
• Foods that are not permitted
  • These foods contain too much fiber and can make bowel cleansing more difficult:
  • Wholemeal bread, grain bread, muesli, oatmeal
  • Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
  • Raw vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, onions)
  • Fruit with seeds or skin (e.g. grapes, berries, oranges, kiwi)
  • Nuts, seeds, chia seeds, linseed
  • Fatty meat, sausage, fried foods
  • Dairy products with grains or seeds (e.g. fruit yoghurt with muesli)
  • Soft drinks, coffee with milk, alcohol, red or blue drinks

The day before the examination - Only clear liquids:

• Water, tea, clear broth and diluted juices without pulp are allowed.
• No dairy products, coffee with milk or drinks containing colorants (e.g. red or blue liquids).

• Laxation with a bowel cleansing solution

  • Your doctor will prescribe a special laxative solution to be drunk in several portions.
  • Make sure you drink enough water to balance your fluid levels.

Tips for pleasant bowel preparation

✔️ Cool the laxative solution - this improves the taste.

✔️ Drink the solution in small sips with a straw.

✔️ Exercise in between to support the bowel cleansing process.

✔️ Allow sufficient time, as frequent visits to the toilet are necessary.

On the day of the examination - last steps:

• Continue to drink clear liquids until the examination (unless otherwise prescribed).
• Do not eat any more solid food.

Frequently asked questions about bowel preparation

What does the laxative solution taste like? Modern preparations have a more neutral taste than in the past. You can mix the liquid with lemon juice or clear apple juice.

What happens if the bowel is not properly clean? If the cleansing is insufficient, it may be necessary to repeat the examination or take additional measures.

Are there alternatives to the drinking solution? There is currently no equivalent alternative, but modern preparations are better tolerated than older products.

Your colonoscopy at Vivomed - Safe and professional: Our modern gastroenterology practice offers you a gentle and safe colonoscopy with modern technology and individual care.