How Can Patients With Constipation Prepare Their Bowels For Colonoscopy More Fully?

Nov 30, 2023

Constipation not only affects the patient's quality of life but also increases the risk of colon cancer to a certain extent. Therefore, patients with constipation must undergo colonoscopy as soon as possible as a screening method for colorectal cancer. However, bowel preparation is quite difficult for patients with chronic constipation due to slow gastrointestinal motility and poor excretion.

Click to laxatives for constipation

Poor intestinal cleanliness not only increases the rate of missed diagnosis of lesions, but also increases the cost of patients' review of colonoscopy, and the patient's medical experience is also poor. To ensure the cleanliness and quality of colonoscopy, how people with constipation can improve the quality of bowel preparation deserves great attention.

What is a constipation patient?

Constipation patients refer to patients with reduced defecation frequency and stool volume, dry and hard stools, labored defecation, and defecation frequency <3 times per week (chronic constipation lasting more than 6 months)

Causes and types of constipation


The causes of constipation are complex and diverse and are not only closely related to lifestyle but also to organic lesions of the digestive tract system. Organic and functional constipation can be distinguished through colonoscopy, barium enema, abdominal CT, and other means.

How to prepare the bowel for patients with constipation

1 restrictive diet

People with constipation should pay special attention to controlling the composition of their diet, avoid eating crude fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables three to five days in advance, and choose low-residue foods such as fish, meat, eggs, porridge, and rice to reduce the difficulty of cleaning the intestines.

2 Take laxatives

Patients with constipation can use the 3L laxative divided dosage plan. The night before the examination: A box of Hengkang Zhengqing (containing 1 small package of A, B, and C) is mixed with 1000m of warm water. Take it 2 hours after dinner the night before the examination, and finish it within 1 hour: (it is recommended to have dinner at 18:00 and start at 20:00 Take laxatives). On the day of examination: Two boxes are prepared with 2000ml of warm water. Start taking them 6 hours before the examination on the day and finish them within 2 hours. After taking the last laxative, take simethicone 30m (as directed by your doctor)

3. Use laxatives or lactulose oral solution, Fusong, etc. to promote gastrointestinal motility in advance.

If the patient has functional constipation, laxatives can be used in advance to soften the stool and reduce the difficulty of bowel preparation. Commonly prescribed medications for patients with constipation are linaclotide capsules, lactulose oral solution, etc. Patients can inform their doctor about their constipation condition and use laxatives as needed.

4. Pay attention to adequate activities while taking the medicine.

People with constipation should be fully active while taking medication to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. For example, walking around while taking medication, massaging the abdomen clockwise during medication, etc., are all conducive to gastric emptying and thus improve the effect of intestinal preparation.

5. Pay attention to the bowel preparation of people with constipation who have multiple diseases.

If a patient with constipation is also accompanied by multiple high-risk factors for unqualified bowel preparation such as stroke, diabetes, and hypertension, the primary underlying disease should be controlled in advance, such as controlling blood sugar and blood pressure to normal levels, and then bowel preparation should be carried out in real-time. Monitor the excretion effect to facilitate additional remediation plans.

6. Bowel Preparation Failure to Implement Remedy Plan

Studies have reported that some patients are prone to various adverse events such as nausea and vomiting during medication, resulting in patients failing to take sufficient doses and seriously affecting the quality of bowel preparation.

Natural Herbal Medicine For Relieving Constipation-Cistanche 

Cistanche is a genus of parasitic plants that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are known for their medicinal properties and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Cistanche species are predominantly found in arid and desert regions of China, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia. Cistanche plants are characterized by their fleshy, yellowish stems and are highly valued for their potential health benefits. In TCM, Cistanche is believed to have tonic properties and is commonly used to nourish the kidney, enhance vitality, and support sexual function. It is also used to address issues related to aging, fatigue, and overall well-being. While Cistanche has a long history of use in traditional medicine, scientific research on its efficacy and safety is ongoing and limited. However, it is known to contain various bioactive compounds such as phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides, which may contribute to its medicinal effects.

Wecistanche's cistanche powder, cistanche tablets, cistanche capsules, and other products are developed using desert cistanche as raw materials, all of which have a good effect on relieving constipation. The specific mechanism is as follows: Cistanche is believed to have potential benefits for relieving constipation based on its traditional use and certain compounds it contains. While scientific research specifically on Cistanche's effect on constipation is limited, it is thought to have multiple mechanisms that may contribute to its potential to relieve constipation. Laxative Effect: Cistanche has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for constipation. It is believed to have a mild laxative effect, which can help promote bowel movements and induce constipation. This effect may be attributed to various compounds found in Cistanche, such as phenylethanoid glycosides and polysaccharides. Moistening the Intestines: Based on traditional use, Cistanche is considered to have moisturizing properties, specifically targeting the Intestines. Promoting hydration and lubrication of the Intestines may help soften tools and facilitate easier passage, thereby relieving constipation. Anti-inflammatory Effect: Constipation can sometimes be associated with inflammation in the digestive tract. Cistanche contains certain compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans, that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the intestines, it may help improve bowel movement regularity and relieve constipation.

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