Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 24

The Day before Surgery
Bowel Prep
A bowel prep helps clear your colon of stool. You will be given instructions
for your bowel prep — follow these carefully and ask any questions you
may have. The prep is important in helping to:
• Prevent a wound infection
• Heal the ends of the colon together
Your surgeon may also have you take antibiotic pills the day before surgery.

Diet
The day before surgery, your surgeon may have you eat a light breakfast
and lunch and drink only clear liquids from noon to midnight. Examples of
clear liquids are:
• Water and sports drinks
• Jell-O and popsicles (not red)
• Clear broth

Making Certain Your Stomach Is Empty
• Do not have anything to eat or drink, including water and chewing gum,
after midnight the night before surgery.
• Your bowel prep liquid is okay to drink during this time.
• If you are told to take antibiotic pills before surgery, take them with
small sips of water.
• If you take any daily medications, ask your surgeon if you should take
them on the morning of surgery.

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