Information Regarding Procedure:

The accuracy of the x-ray study of the colon by the CT colonography depends to a large degree on the care that is taken in preparing the colon for examination. The colon can be made free from fecal content by a combination of 4 procedures:

1. Selected low residue diet for several days
2. By hydration and lavation from drinking large amounts of fluid
3. By cathartics
4. By cleansing enemas.

Preparation:

In an effort to improve the quality of the CT colonography examinations and also to reduce the number of patients who must be prepared, the following colon cleansing protocol is recommended:

1. Before the colon examination a minimal residue for 3 days is preferable (if not possible, start as soon as the colon study is scheduled). The following foods are permitted:

• Strained fruit juices such as orange, apple, grapefruit, grape
• Cereal such as cream of wheat, farina or rice krispies
• Eggs any style
• Dry cottage cheese not creamed
• Meat such as canned baby meats, baked skinless fish, finely chopped canned tuna
• Macaroni, spaghetti, noodles or rice in clear broth or buttered if desired
• 1 to 2 Tbsp of oil, butter or margarine may be used daily if desired
• Sweets such as plain gelatin (Jello) desserts without added fruit or vegetables, moderate amount of sugar or strained honey, marshmallows, arrowroot or vanilla wafers or sugar wafers
• Moderate amount of seasonings
• Beverages such as clear broth or bouillon, tea, weak coffee or Sanka, carbonated beverages (cola drinks, 7-UP), Gatorade, Kool-aid or other synthetic drink mixes.
NOTE: NO BREAD, FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR MILK

2. The day before the examination drink fluids; at least one large 8 oz glass of water each hour from 11:00 am to 8:00 or 10:00 pm. For ALL meals a clear liquid diet starting with breakfast. The following foods are permitted:

• Synthetic juices, Kool-aid, Gatorade, carbonated beverages, weak coffee or Sanka, tea with sugar
• Clear broth
• Gelatin desserts (Jello without added fruits or vegetables)
• Modern amount of sugar
• Hard candies – lemon drop style.

3. The laxative (Picolax) provided is to be taken as follows:

• Adults: The contents of one sachet is dissolved in a cup of cold water, stir for 2 to 3 minutes. If it becomes hot, wait for it to cool. The first dose (1 sachet) is taken at 8:00 am on day before the exam, the 2nd sachet is taken between 2 – 4 pm on the day before exam.

*NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT*

4. On the morning of the test, insert 1 Dulcolax suppository into the rectum 1 hour prior to leaving home for the hospital.