How Do I Prepare For Colonoscopy?

(Last updated: August, 2026)

How Do I Prepare for Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy lets your doctor look inside your colon and rectum. A colonoscopy looks for Ulcers Inflamma on Bleeding Polyps Tumours Before your bowel must be completely cleansed. This colonoscopy process is called bowel prepara on (bowel prep) and it is a key step to having a successful colonoscopy.

If your bowel prepara on is not done properly, your doctor will not be able to clearly see inside your colon.

As a result, polyps or other abnormali es may be missed.

Finding polyps early provides a be er chance of preven ng colon cancer.

Good bowel prepara on

Bad bowel prepara on

3 days before your

colonoscopy Start a lowresidue diet.

Examples: White bread, rice, cooked vegetables without skin or seed, chicken or fish without skin, eggs, and limited amount of dairy, e.g low fat milk and yoghurt.

Do not eat ro , naan or paratha, nuts, seeds, fa y foods, meat, raw or dried fruit, raw or par ally cooked vegetables, corn, peas, beans or len ls (daal).

Bowel prepara on · Bowel prepara on medica ons cause diarrhoea, emptying the colon · They require that you drink large volumes of clear liquid and stay well hydrated · Stay near a bathroom for a few hours un l the effects of the medica on have worn off · Your doctor will prescribe the bowel prepara on medica on based on your medical history, physical health and personal needs. · The recommended way to take these is “split dose”; meaning you drink your bowel prepara on medica on in two doses. Drink 3 litres of your bowel prepara on medica on the night before your colonoscopy, and the remaining 1 liter 4 to 6 hours before your colonoscopy.

The correct me is important because it ensures that you have the cleanest colon possible for your colonoscopy.

1 day before your Colon

Polyp

Colonoscope

Abnormali es may be hidden if bowel is not cleansed properly

How do I prepare before colonoscopy?

Follow your doctor’s instruc ons about dietary restric ons and bowel prepara on.

Talk to your doctor about any medica ons you are taking such as insulin, blood thinners, etc.

colonoscopy Clear liquid diet Examples: Clear strained broth (yakhni), tea or coffee without milk, clear, lightcoloured juices, clear so drinks, jelly (not red) and water.

Do not drink liquids that you cannot see through, dairy products including yoghurt or milk-based drinks or red or purple liquids (as these colours may linger in the colon)

2 hours before your colonoscopy You MUST NOT drink anything two hours before your colonoscopy. In some cases, this may be longer, please follow the instruc ons from your doctor.

Please discuss with your doctor if you have any of the following condi ons: Heart failure, kidney failure, end-stage liver disease, other medical condi ons.

Preparing for a colonoscopy may feel scary or uncomfortable, but it is very important to do it right. Remember, a clean bowel is the key to a successful colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the easiest and best way to prevent and detect colon cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have any ques ons.