Motility Center Colon Prep: Golytely Clean Out

Important information:

• Golytely® (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution) is used to clean out the colon before certain medical tests.

• This clean out may take 1–2 days.

• Your child may need to stay in the hospital for this process.

• A nasogastric (NG) tube will be used to give the Golytely solution directly into your child’s stomach. This thin, soft tube is inserted through the nose and taped to the face until the process is complete.

• IV fluids, blood work, and an enema may also be required.

• Your child will follow a clear liquid diet during the clean-out. Approved liquids include:

  • Broth or clear soup without food pieces

  • Gelatin (Jell-O®)

  • Juice without pulp (apple or white grape)

  • Sprite®

  • Water

  • Tea

  • Pedialyte®

The hospital staff, including nurses and child life specialists, will support your child throughout the process. Child life specialists can distract and reassure your child, while your presence and encouragement will also help create a positive and successful experience.

Procedure:

1. A nurse will check your child’s vital signs before starting.

2. If needed, fluids can also be given through an IV.

3. A nurse will insert the NG tube.

4. Golytely will flow through the NG tube for 4 to 6 hours. Most children receive 4 liters of Golytely a day, but sometimes a larger amount is needed to totally clean out the colon. Golytely can cause some children to vomit. If your child vomits repeatedly, we will slow down the rate of the Golytely. If the NG tube comes out during vomiting it will be replaced.

5. Nurses may measure your child’s abdominal girth.

6. Your child may need a medicine called Reglan® (metoclopramide). This helps move stool through the intestines. Reglan will be stopped after the Golytely process is complete.

7. Encourage your child to walk and use the bathroom often. Nurses will check the color, amount, and consistency of each bowel movement.

8. An abdominal X-ray will be done to check if the colon is clean. Depending on the results, additional Golytely or enemas may be needed.

9. The Golytely will stop at midnight before the procedure, and the NG tube will be removed.

10. Your child may receive an enema on the morning of the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns during this process, speak with your child’s healthcare provider or a member of the hospital team.

Reviewed January 2025 by Angelica Del Grippo, RN