Lower gastrointestinal refers to procedures that examine the last part of the digestive system which includes the large bowel and the anus.
For a lower gastrointestinal procedure to be successful, your bowel needs to be cleared of waste material. For colonoscopy procedures and most cases of flexible sigmoidoscopy you will be provided with an oral bowel preparation. It is important that you take the bowel preparation, it is a strong laxative; follow the instructions particularly those relating to your diet and fluid intake, you will have loose bowel movements and need to go to the toilet frequently, please plan your day accordingly.
If you are taking iron tablets you should stop taking them seven days before your test.
We advise you avoid eating seeds for 7 days before your procedure and commence a low fibre diet for 3-5 days before your procedure.
You can further help to empty your bowel by increasing your intake of clear fluids (black tea/coffee, clear soup, water, squash). Inadequate bowel preparation will result in poor views of the lining of your bowel and likely result in the procedure needing to be repeated.
The primary oral bowel preparation in use within our endoscopy departments is PLENVU, please review our instruction leaflets below and follow the link to the PLENVU website below.