How to Prepare for Your Laparoscopy: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re scheduled for a laparoscopy, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful procedure. One of the most important steps is preparing your bowel. This guide will walk you through the process using PicoPrep, a commonly prescribed bowel preparation solution.

Two Days Before Your Procedure

Start modifying your diet:

• Follow a low-fiber diet
• Avoid fibrous vegetables, fruits with seeds or pips, and whole grains
• Opt for foods like pasta, pumpkin, steamed fish or chicken, and clear soups

Vegan friendly food options

One Day Before Your Procedure

Breakfast (8:00 AM)

• You can have:
  • Black tea or coffee (with or without sugar)
  • Boiled or poached egg whites
  • White or brown bread/toast (not whole wheat)

After Breakfast

• Switch to a clear liquid diet
• Approved clear fluids include:
  • Water
  • Black tea or coffee
  • Clear apple juice
  • White grape juice
  • Bovril drinks
  • Clear chicken broth
  • Sports drinks (like Energade or Game)
  • Jelly (only green or yellow)

Important: Avoid the following

• Solid foods
• Milk or dairy products (yogurt, custard, ice cream)
• Carbonated drinks
• Red or purple drinks
• Red wine

Bowel Preparation Schedule

Follow this schedule precisely:

• 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM: Drink a glass of water or clear fluids
• 1:00 PM: Take the 1st sachet of PicoPrep
  • Dissolve in 250ml warm water
  • Chill with ice cubes if desired
  • Drink the PicoPrep solution followed by a glass of water
• 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Drink a glass of water or clear fluids
• 4:00 PM: Take the 2nd sachet of PicoPrep (same as above)
• 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM: Drink a glass of water or clear fluids
• 7:00 PM: Take the 3rd sachet of PicoPrep (same as above)
• 8:00 PM onwards: Continue drinking water as desired

Day of Your Procedure

• Do not eat breakfast
• Take any regular medications before 10:30 AM
• You may drink small sips of water until 2 hours before your admission time

What to Expect

• The bowel preparation will cause diarrhea. This is necessary to ensure your bowel is clean for the procedure.
• Stay near a toilet once you start the preparation.
• To prevent irritation, apply petroleum jelly to your anus before and after each bowel movement.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated.

Remember, the success of your laparoscopy depends on how well you follow these instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.