Half-Lytely Prep

Half-Lytely Prep

Stop aspirin one week before the procedure. If you have taken aspirin, call and let Dr. Yaffe know. We can often still perform the procedure, but we may not be able to remove a large polyp, due to increased risk of bleeding.

Eat a light breakfast and a light lunch the day before the scheduled procedure. Pasta, rice, a small sandwich are okay, but no salads, fruits, or veggies. No further food after lunch.

Mix the Half-lytely as directed with ½ gallon of water, and refrigerate for a few hours prior to starting the prep.

The prep takes about 6 hours to complete. You can take the 4 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) tablets that come in the kit anytime between noon and 6 PM, realizing that it will take 2-3 hours to get results. Expect some cramps, and bloating.

3 hours after taking the pills, start drinking the Half-lytely. Drink a glass every 15 minutes, with the goal of finishing within 2-3 hours. You can sip other clear liquids in between glasses of Half-lytely if you wish.

At the end of the prep, the stool should be a lemonade-like clear fluid, with no brown sludge.

If you are not adequately cleaned, call at 8 AM the morning of the procedure, and will try to work with you to further the process.

IT SHOULD BE EMPHASIZED THAT ALL FLUID INTAKE, INCLUDING WATER SHOULD END FOUR HOURS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE.

I will look inside your entire five feet of colon. The procedure takes from five to twenty minutes. You will be comfortably sleeping, under the influence of IV Propofol and Versed, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. (Insurance covers the anesthesiologist). You can expect to leave the office about 90 minutes after the start of the procedure, feeling like you have had 1-2 drinks of alcohol. You cannot drive for 4 hours after receiving anesthesia.

It is a good idea to bring an extra pair of underwear. Menstrual periods, viral syndromes, or urinary infections do not interfere with the colonoscopy! Call if questions!!! Bring any Insurance or referral Forms.

After 4AM, one should not drink any more fluids, as we want your stomach empty when you get put to sleep.

If for some reason, you do not feel like you are cleaned out, call after 8AM, and we can delay the procedure by a couple of hours until we can get you clean.