Virtual Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

VC (Virtual colonoscopy) is perfect for the patient who keeps putting off a traditional colonoscopy due to fear of procedure. Virtual colonoscopy can be used for patients with adhesions that caused incomplete colonoscopy. VC is an approach that offers a lower chance of perforation of bowel and large intestine is completely visualized with CT rather than using a scope alone.

Virtual colonoscopy is a medical imaging procedure which uses x-rays to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine) from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis and cancer. VC is performed via CT scan.

Virtual colonoscopy is a great alternative to a traditional colonoscopy because there is less of a chance for perforation of bowel and the patient does not have to be sedated. The procedure is quick. Contrast is introduced retrograde to the large intestine and pictures are taken by our CT scanner. The whole procedure will be under 30 minutes.

The following products can be picked up at our office prior to your scan and are included in the cost of your scan.

 

Product

LoSo Prep

Tagitol

 

Use

Laxative, to cleanse your digestive tract.

To mark any remaining stool, for Differentiation from polyps. The quality of your virtual colonoscopy exam is dependent in part on your bowel preparation. To assure the best possible outcome, this preparation should be taken exactly as directed. Do NOT make any substitutions or changes without consultation with your doctor.

 

Two Days before your Virtual Colonoscopy

Low residue diet-Two days prior to procedure.

Low Residue Diet

 

Grain products:

Enriched refined white bread, buns, bagels, English muffins, plain cereals, Arrowroot cookies, tea biscuits, soda crackers, plain melba toast, white rice, refined pasta and noodles.

AVOID whole grains

 

Fruits:

Fruit juices except for prune juice

Applesauce, apricots, banana (1/2), cantaloupe, canned fruit cocktail, grapes, honeydew melon, peaches, watermelon

AVOID raw and dried fruits, raisins and berries

 

Vegetables:

Vegetable juices

Potatoes (no skin)

Well-cooked and tender vegetables including alfalfa sprouts, beets, green/yellow beans, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, green/red peppers, squash, zucchini

AVOID VEGETABLES FROM THE CRUCIFEROUS FAMILY SUCH AS BROCCOLI CAULIFLOWER, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CABBAGE, KALE, SWISS CHARD, ETC.

 

Meat and Protein:

Well-cooked, tender meat, fish and eggs

Avoid beans and lentils

 

Nuts and Seeds:

AVOID ALL NUTS AND SEEDS AS WELL AS FOODS THAT MAY CONTAIN NUTS AND SEEDS

 

Dairy:

As directed by your healthcare providers

One Day before your Virtual Colonoscopy

No milk Products

No vegetables

No Breads and grains

No meat or meat substitutes

No Fats and oils

Only clear liquids, black coffee, tea, Gatorade (no red or orange), Sprite, Sierra Mist. Clear soups and soup bases are okay.

 

Breakfast:

Lunch:

1:00 PM:

2:00 PM:

3:00 PM:

4:00 PM:

Dinner:

5:00 PM:

5:30 PM:

6:00 PM:

7:00 PM:

7:30 PM:

8:00 PM:

9:00 PM:

After 9 PM:

20ml of Tagitol—clear liquids

20 ml of Tagitol—clear liquids

Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water

Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water

Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water

Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water

 

20ml of Tagitol V.—clear liquids

LoSo Prep Magnesium Citrate

Drink one full 8oz glass of water

Drink one full 8oz glass of water

LoSo Prep Bisacodyl Tablets

Drink one full 8oz glass of water

Drink one full 8oz glass of water

Nothing to eat or drink

The day of your Virtual Colonoscopy

Upon rising, do not eat or drink anything

Two hours before you begin to travel to your procedure, insert LoSo Prep Bisacodyl Suppository.

 

Please feel free to call our office with any questions (815)730-3344