Why does the colon appear pink during colonoscopy when most of us retain massive amts of fecal material?

Question

Autopsy shows that most of us retain massive amounts of fecal material in our colons. How do two small preps prior to colonscopy clear out the massive amount of old fecal material accumulated in the colon allowing the walls of the colon to be visualized? People with successive colon therapy sessions e.g. at colon hydrotherapy schools eliminate way more fecal material. How can that be?

Answer 1

I really question the claim by colon cleanse advocates about this so-called build up of fecal matter in the colon. I have heard pathologists state that in their ENTIRE career, they have never cut into an intestine with this kind of "plaque" build up. Kinda makes you think that if it is as common as colon cleanse folks say, it'd show up in an autopsy...at least occasionally.

Don't get me wrong, I believe maintaining a healthy colon is important, but I think this aspect of it is...well...full of crap...lol

Answer 2

As someone who as gone through several colonoscopies I can tell you that the prep beforehand is not 'two small preps'.

The day before you usually are restricted to a liquid diet. Also the day before you are given a fluid that will 'encourage' you to vacate your bowels. This fluid can be a lot, sometime upwards of a gallon depending on what your doctor prescribes. This large volume of fluid helps 'cleanse' the colon.

From 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking 8 ounces glasses every 15 minutes you'll begin a series of trips to the restroom that won't stop until you are passing an almost clear liquid. After that there really ain't much left.

Don't know much about the colonic threrapy, not sure why you'd bother since you'll just be full of poop hours later.

Answer 3

The stool in your colon doesn't adhere like a plaque. Everything is constantly moving forward. So when you do the colon prep with the laxatives and stick with just the clears prior to the colonoscopy, it only takes a day to be stool free.

Answer 4

colon cleanses are not only a load of bs, they can be dangerous. Depending on what you use, you can alter the electrolyte balance of your entire body by altering the homeostatis of the bowel. NO, food particles and such do not collect anywhere in the colon, it is a smooth and very slippery surface and is designed to empty completely. The only time one should use a laxative is if one happens to be constipated, or one has a procedure coming up that requires it.

Answer 5

well when yo get a colonscopy you have to drink go lighty for the whole day before and you can't eat anything so therefore it clears the whole pathway out.. and you don't have any fecal material in your colon