I may need to have a colonostopy and am very concerned about the prep.  I have read that the phosphate based prep can cause kidney damage.  I have also read that there is a magnesium based prep that is much safer. Also is there a reliable alternative to the procedure itself. Your thoughts.
Hi. Both preparations are safe as we have never seen any reaction or side effects as mentioned by you. Yes, there are alternative procedures for colonoscopy. One is called Virtual colonoscopy, done with the help of more modern fast multislice CT Scans where only air is insufflated, no actual tube is passed. Another is camera endoscopy, wherein you have to ingest a capsule camera and stay in the hospital. Only problem with both the alternative procedure is no biopsy can be taken. I hope my answer has satisfied your query.