Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] my husband is having his right cancerous kidney removed at 7:30 tomorrow morning. He started his bowel preparation at 3:00 PM today with 10 oz. of magnesium citrate. So far, he has not had any action, is that typical? or do I need to call the hospital and ask what to do?
[|AI|]  Hi, Thanks for writing in. The magnesium citrate is given to patients to help empty the bowel before a scheduled surgery. Magnesium citrate is a liquid preparation used to cleanse the bowel in preparation for abdominal surgery. It is a very salty Chat Doctor.  In some people the bowel movements can be delayed. Please do not worry about it and there is no urgent need to call the hospital for this reason. He can be allowed clear liquids after the magnesium citrate up until midnight, at which time he cannot have nothing to eat,