Bowel Preparation: Before Your Child's Surgery
What is bowel preparation?
Bowel preparation (or bowel prep) is a way to make sure that your
child's bowels are empty before your child has surgery. It's done to
lower the risk of infection. It is very important if your child has
bowel surgery. But it may also be done before other surgery in the
belly or before a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
There are different types of bowel prep. Your child may need to
drink a liquid that makes them have to go to the bathroom a lot. Or
you may give your child an enema. Your doctor will tell you what
kind of prep your child needs.
Bowel prep can be uncomfortable. Your child may spend a lot of time
in the bathroom. Bowel prep can take up to 12 hours, depending on
the method your child uses.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This
information will help you understand what you can expect. And it
will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.
Preparing for surgery
|
|
|
|
|
-
Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements,
and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase
the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will
tell you if your child should stop taking any of them
before the surgery and how soon to do it.
|
Before the surgery
|
|
|
|
|
-
If your child is given a liquid bowel prep, have your
child follow the doctor's instructions for taking it. Some
people think it tastes bad. But mixing it with a sports
drink like Gatorade can make it taste better. You may also
want to give your child lemon drops or other hard candies
to suck on after drinking it. The liquid will make your
child have diarrhea. Your child's bowel is empty when the
fluid that comes out is clear.
|
|
|
-
If you are told to give your child an enema, follow the
directions on the package. The enema solution is in a
plastic bottle with a long, narrow tip. You put the tip of
the bottle into your child's anus. Then you squeeze the
liquid into the rectum. Have your child hold the liquid
for a few minutes. Then your child will use the toilet.
Your doctor may also have you give your child a liquid
bowel prep to drink.
|
|
|
|
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: July 26, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for
your use of this information.