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How to Know If Bowels Are Empty for Colonoscopy

By Sarwat Rehman 18 Comments

If you want to call your doctor and ask how to know if the bowels are empty for the colonoscopy, then stop right here. You can analyze it by yourself. You just have to be a bit observant and see the color of your stool. 

The bowel movements coming out should look like the fluids you are taking. Your bowels are empty if the color of your stool is clear, light yellow, and is not cloudy, like urine. If it is dark brown and has residues, it means your colon is not empty, and you need more colonoscopy prep.

So, before rushing to the conclusion for your bowel movements, you must know why you need colonoscopy bowel prep and then find out how to know if your bowels are empty for colonoscopy.

What does it signify if the stool is brown, yellow, or green? When you get this all, work on bowel prep instructions and have a successful colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Bowel Prep

Table of Contents

  1. Colonoscopy Bowel Prep
  2. How to Know if Bowels are Empty for a Colonoscopy? 
  3. Colonoscopy Prep Poop Color Chart
    1. What if Liquid Stool is Brown in Colonoscopy Prep?
    2. What if Liquid Stool is Green or Yellow in Colonoscopy Prep? 
  4. Enema – Constipation Solution in Colonoscopy Prep 
  5. Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Instructions
    1. Soft Food and Clear Liquids
    2. Take a laxative or bowel prep solution
    3. 7 Days Diet Plan to Follow Before Colonoscopy
    4. Adjust Your Medications
  6. How do I know if My Bowels are Empty?
  7. How Do You Know if Your Colon is Clean Enough for a Colonoscopy? 
  8. What to Take Away?

Colonoscopy is the internal examination of your large intestine, particularly the colon, to see any abnormalities that can lead to colon cancer.

As the doctor observes your colon by sending a thin tube with a camera, your bowel must be clean for a successful procedure.

The cleansing of the colon before a colonoscopy is ‘Colonoscopy bowel preparation.’ 

You have to be very observant before your procedure and assess what’s going on with your bowel.

Because a perfectly clean bowel will help your doctor thoroughly analyze any polyps or other intestinal problems.

So, don’t be reluctant in your bowl preparation and focus to the fullest to get a clear bowel.

Also Read: What to do When You are Still Pooping Morning of Colonoscopy?

How to Know If Bowels Are Empty for Colonoscopy

How to Know if Bowels are Empty for a Colonoscopy? 

The color of the stool is a clear indication of whether your bowels are empty for colonoscopy or not.

If the stool is clear without any fecal material, it means your colonoscopy prep is complete, and your bowel is clear enough for colonoscopy.

If the stool is not clear and has coloration or solid material, you must have missed any step in the colonoscopy preparation that resulted in incomplete prep.

Most people start their prep and find magical ways to have a clear colon within minutes, but this is not the case.

Everyone has a different response to the prep.

Some of you will take longer to begin and complete the prep, while some will take shorter. In most patients, it takes about 6-8 hours to complete colonoscopy prep. Women can take longer than men for their longer colon (1).

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So, when you are preparing for a colonoscopy, have the nearest access to the bathroom all the time because of the bowel movements. 

An important thing you must consider is, do not stop drinking your colonoscopy prep even if your stools are running clear.

There would be several drinks or pills; make sure you have completed them all.

You may find it tempting to quit all these, but remind yourself skipping one or two steps will ruin your whole efforts.

Colonoscopy Prep Poop Color Chart

After you’ve finished with your bowel prep agent, you can use your feces as a reference.

Your feces should be transparent, yellow, light, and liquid consistently. The following infographic chart illustrates the many stages of poop during bowel preparation.

Colonoscopy Prep Poop Color Chart

What if Liquid Stool is Brown in Colonoscopy Prep?

If your bowel movement is not clear and the liquid stool is brown, you are near to the finish line but have not completed the prep.

For a fully empty bowel, the color of the stool must be clear without any solid residues. When there is fecal material, your colon will be containing leftover food residues.

These residues will make it hard to observe your colon.

So, if this is the case with you, call your colonoscopy team and discuss the whole matter.

Also Read: How to Avoid Vomiting During Colonoscopy?

What if Liquid Stool is Green or Yellow in Colonoscopy Prep? 

If you are passing clear or light color, including yellow or green stool, it is a sign your colon is ready for examination.

Some people get tense of paleness, but it is not to be worried about.

This yellow liquid stool is the result of digestive juice and does not mean that prep is incomplete.

However, if the stool is not clear and is cloudy liquid, you have to ask your doctor for extended colonoscopy prep. 

Enema – Constipation Solution in Colonoscopy Prep 

In some cases, constipation becomes a big hurdle in colonoscopy prep.

However, a dedicated food plan and the use of laxatives help to empty your bowel.

Still, if you face constipation issues, you need an extra step.

This additional assistance to fully empty your colon before a colonoscopy is an Enema (2).

This is not painful at all, and you can get rid of your constipation easily.

You will need to inject a liquid into the bowel through the rectum, and this type of enema incorporated in colonoscopy prep is a cleansing enema.

In this step, you will receive a water-based solution with a stool softener that pushes the solid waste and clears the colon.

When you get this solution, the high volume of water starts the movements of the large intestine.

As a result, bowel movements release the solution and sold matter. 

You will get a clear colon after the enema, but do not panic if it is not.

It can take two to three attempts to clean the bowel.

You have to discuss your constipation problem with your doctor, and he/she will advise whether you need an enema in a hospital or use an enema kit at home. So, be open with your examiner and discuss everything regarding your prep. 

Also Read: How Clear Should Stool Be For Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Instructions

A fully clean colon is ideal for colonoscopy. If you want to get over your procedure without any delay, follow these colonoscopy bowel prep instructions. Here, you have 3 stages of colonoscopy bowel prep that you need to work on.

Soft Food and Clear Liquids

First, you have to make your diet plan consisting of only soft foods and clear liquids. You cannot even think of having a colonoscopy with your regular food.

So, take small meals of soft and non-fibrous. Do not forget to take plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated (3). 

Read the following article to learn more about the diet plan you can follow before your colonoscopy.

Take a laxative or bowel prep solution

Laxatives or bowel prep solutions loosen the stools and increase your bowel movements (4).

When you take these, your bowel will be clear and ready for a colonoscopy.

You have to take this bowel prep night before your prep and on the morning of your colonoscopy.

7 Days Diet Plan to Follow Before Colonoscopy

DayBreakfastMid-day MealLunchDinner
Day 12-3 white bread slice with 2 eggs (boiled or scrambled) 1 cup of tea or coffee 1 glass strained fruit juice 1 medium bowl white rice or pasta1 cup of chicken broth
Day 22-3 French toasts or white bread, cottage cheese, 1 cup of tea or coffee1 banana Lunch: 1 medium piece of well-cooked tender beef1 medium piece of well-cooked tender beef1 bowl of vegetable soup
Day 31 bowl corn flakes, 1 cup milk with 2 boiled eggs2-3 slices of ripe melon1 to 2 fish pieces1 bowl chicken broth
Day 42 white bread slices with mayonnaise or honey, 1 egg, 1 cup milk1 bowl of chopped fruits drizzled with honey2 medium-sized boiled potatoes1 bowl beef stock
Day 51 banana, Plain cakes or cookies, 1 glass milk1 bowl of plain pudding1 baked chicken breast 1 bowl Bouillon
Day 62/3 cup yogurt, 1 banana1 bowl custard or ice cream1 bowl of chopped, well-cooked vegetables (carrots, potatoes, lima beans)1 bowl chicken or beef broth
Day 71 cup Tea or coffee with no cream, or Fruit juice with no pulp Juice popsicles or 1 small bowl clear Jell-O1 bowl Consommé1 bowl chicken, beef, or vegetable broth

Adjust Your Medications

It is crucial for your colonoscopy prep to discuss your medical history with the doctor. If you have diabetes, heart problems, or high blood pressure issues, just tell your specialist to adjust your medicines in your prep (5).

After a colonoscopy, you should not go careless and read What to Eat After Colonoscopy so that can recover as soon as possible.

How do I know if My Bowels are Empty?

When your liquid stool or diarrhea is clear and has only light-yellow color, your bowels are empty. If there is a solid material, your bowel is not clear for a colonoscopy, and you need to work on more colonoscopy prep.

How Do You Know if Your Colon is Clean Enough for a Colonoscopy? 

The color of your liquid stool is a clear indication of whether your colon is clean enough for colonoscopy or not. Passing a clear, non-cloudy stool means your colon is clean, but if the stool is of dark color with fecal material, the bowel contains solid material that you need to expel.

Also Read: What to Eat Before Colonoscopy? A Complete Diet Plan

What to Take Away?

I’m sure now you have got all about how to know if bowels are empty for a colonoscopy, and you can better access your progress. So, be brave and prepare yourself mentally and physically for colonoscopy. Before leaving, do not forget to rate this valuable content written for your ease and if you feel anything uncertain, just leave a comment to let us know. 

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Sarwat Rehman
Sarwat Rehman

You are just like my family, and I am your nutritionist the same way I am of my parents. I will never suggest a meal that goes against your health. As I do not allow my family to make a missed shot with the food, I will choose the same for you. Read More About Me…

Filed Under: Healthy Body

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Evelyn Rojas says

    September 5, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    If your intestine is not clear can I still have the procedure done?

    Reply
    • Foodi Ideas says

      September 8, 2021 at 6:38 am

      No, you cannot have your procedure done unless you have a clean intestine.

      Reply
  2. KM says

    March 10, 2022 at 11:40 pm

    Great article! Clear explainations and answered my questions.

    Reply
    • Foodi Ideas says

      March 25, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      Thank you so much for liking it

      Reply
  3. AMO says

    March 24, 2022 at 10:05 pm

    Fantastic and comprehensive information!

    Reply
    • Foodi Ideas says

      March 25, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks a lot. Let us know if you have any question.

      Reply
      • melanie chaney says

        April 7, 2022 at 3:14 am

        How long does it take to be able to lay down after your colonoscopy prep without having to use the bathroom

        Reply
        • Foodi Ideas says

          April 7, 2022 at 10:37 pm

          Bowel movements usually start within 30 mins to one hour after taking the prep, but can take longer depending on the individual. It takes almost 2-3 hours to empty your bowels after the prep is taken. Again the situation can vary from person to person.

          Reply
  4. Jo Jones says

    April 26, 2022 at 11:35 am

    Great article. Took a long time after starting prep for me yo have bm. Excruciating stomach cramps occurred. This is morning of procedure and still have green liquid stools. Actually vomited the 2nd set of 12 pills. Am going to call MD to see if he wants to go through with it or postpone.

    Reply
    • Foodi Ideas says

      April 26, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      Better to consult ASAP.

      Reply
  5. Sharee m Vandehey says

    May 3, 2022 at 7:47 am

    At the see they green phase after both bottles and everything

    Gross lemon but it wasn’t terrible I was able to get it down now my thing is hoping tomorrow goes smooth

    Reply
    • Madiha Saad says

      May 28, 2022 at 3:15 am

      Hopefully everything works in your favor. Do let us know how your procedure went. We would love to hear from you. And best of luck!!

      Reply
  6. Joan says

    May 25, 2022 at 11:20 pm

    Is it ok if you can’t finish all of the liquid prep? It took a long time to start seeing the green/yellow stool.

    Reply
    • Madiha Saad says

      May 28, 2022 at 3:19 am

      It is important to finish all the prep medicine. If you’re having trouble swallowing your prep before your colonoscopy, sipping it cold and with a straw can be the most comfortable option.

      Just hang in there. It will be over before you know.

      We wish you the very best of luck!

      Reply
  7. Shirley Dvorak says

    June 7, 2022 at 3:36 am

    Very helpful . Thank you .

    Reply
  8. Lizbeth Tello says

    July 9, 2022 at 4:47 am

    I’m struggling right now to finish the gallon. Breathing deeply to not vomit! Two more cups to go. Googled to see if I had to finish the whole gallon and if it was ok after I saw yellow to stop. I came across this article. Thank you

    Reply
  9. Kat says

    September 27, 2022 at 2:55 pm

    I am having a bright green watery stool my procedure is in 5 hours and I am worried! Should I be? I have followed every step exactly…..

    Reply
    • Madiha Saad says

      September 27, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      Hi. Apologies for getting to you late.
      Anyhow, if you are having watery stool without any fecal material in it then you are good to go. The presence of bile in the stool might cause it to have a bright green color.
      But if there is fecal matter present in your stool then you must consult your doctor prior the procedure.
      I hope that everything goes smoothly with your procedure.

      Reply

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