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Is A Low Fibre Diet Necessary Before A Colonoscopy?

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Posted on Mon, 2 May 2016
Question: A colorectal surgeon has proposed a colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy procedure. The pre-op prep requires a low fibre diet plus picoprep. Why low fibre diet if you are trying to clear the bowel for a procedure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
For good bowel preparation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

That is a good question.

The success of colonoscopy examination depends on a good bowel preparation. The bowel should be clear and there should not be any residue.

Fiber is not digested. The undigested residue of fiber may stay in the bowel obscuring parts of bowel.

This is the reason why a low fiber diet is usually advised before colonoscopy.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)
Thank you.
I've had the procedure some years ago and don't recall having to have a low fibre diet. In fact I try to keep a good amount of fibre in my diet otherwise my bowels don't move. As I recall, the prep for the procedure then mainly involved a preparation taken for some hours prior which involved drinking a lot of water for some hours and taking to the toilet frequently. That preparation was satisfactory and my bowel was clear for the scoping from both ends. This is a different surgeon. Previous surgeon was looking at diverticular disease and found pockets which accounted for my symptoms but no polyps. I've made sure my diet keeps things moving so this is different advice/preparation.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Only for colonoscopy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, good amount of fiber is required for good bowel movements.
Your doctor has suggested this low fiber diet only for colonoscopy examination. You can take fiber in usual amount after the colonoscopy is completed.

Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2215 Questions

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Is A Low Fibre Diet Necessary Before A Colonoscopy?

Brief Answer: For good bowel preparation Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you. That is a good question. The success of colonoscopy examination depends on a good bowel preparation. The bowel should be clear and there should not be any residue. Fiber is not digested. The undigested residue of fiber may stay in the bowel obscuring parts of bowel. This is the reason why a low fiber diet is usually advised before colonoscopy. Let me know if you have any more questions. Regards, Dr.R.K.