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Preoperative Instructions

Preoperative Bowel Prep

The preoperative bowel preparation is a safety measure. It is used when significant work is to be done in the abdomen, such as laparoscopic suturing, and I want the bowel to be empty and safely out of the way during the surgical procedure. The bowel preparation can be difficult for some people, and therefore just do the best you can with it. The bowel preparation is done during the day prior to the scheduled surgery.

The preoperative bowel preparation includes the following:

  • 1. Clear Liquids for 1 day prior to surgery.
    a. Clear liquids includes: Jello, popsicles, Ginger-ale, sprite, water, and Bouillon. Try to avoid coffee as much as possible.
    b. People on bowel preps tend to become dehydrated, so please push fluids.
  • 2. Drink one 10 oz bottle of Magnesium Citrate at 3pm, the afternoon prior to surgery. Some patients may have a delayed response, so please take the Magnesium citrate either on-time or a little early.
  • 3. Swallow 4 Dulcolax tablets at 7pm, the evening prior to surgery.
    a. You will develop sharp abdominal cramps after taking the Dulcolax tablets.
    b. The cramps will get better as the diarrhea starts.
    c. Some patients may have a delayed response, so please take the Dulcolax tablets either on-time or a little early.
  • 4. Fleets enema at bedtime the night before surgery.
  • 5. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to surgery.

Everything on this list can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Please call our office if there are any questions.

Thank you.
Martin Robbins, M.D.

Patients

308 US Route One
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Phone - (207) 883-3883
Fax - (207) 883-5788