Urological Specialists

There are only a few types of surgery that require bowel preparation. Mr. Grills or Dr. McLeod or the Specialist Urology Nurse will instruct you if that is the case.

Depending on the type of surgery you are scheduled for you may require an enema, the pre admissions department will notify you if necessary. An enema relieves constipation or helps you open your bowels in preparation for an examination or surgery.

Prostate Biopsy

A Microlax enema cleans out the lower part of your bowel before the biopsy is performed. You will need to administer this 1 hour before you leave to travel to the hospital for your procedure.

How to use Microlax

  • Twist and pull the seal off the nozzle
  • Squeeze the tube gently so that a drop of the Mircolax lubricates the tip of the nozzle (this makes insertion easier)
  • Insert the nozzle fully into the rectum (back passage)
  • Squeeze out the rest of the contents of the tube
  • Keeping the tube squeezed tightly, withdraw the nozzle
  • Microlax generally takes 30 minutes to take effect. Due to the nature of the emema and the bowel stimulation it creates, you may have the urge to open your bowels shortly after you have administered the enema. However, to ensure the enema has taken the full effect required, please try to keep the contents in your rectum for at least 20 minutes. If you cannot hold the urge, do not be alarmed, pass a motion and please do not strain.

Cystectomy/Neobladder/Ileal Conduit

Mr. Grills or Dr. McLeod may prescribe a full bowel preparation for you prior to surgery. This will be administered by the hospital staff after you are admitted the day before your surgery or sometimes self-administered at home the day before your surgery.
Picolax / Fleet / PicoPrep / ColonLYTELY etc. – these are liquids which you drink in order to fully empty the entire bowel.

Generally, other patients do not require bowel preparation.