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How long does the procedure take?
EGD’s and Colonoscopies each typically take about ½ hour or less. You will be in the Endoscopy Center approximately 2-3 hours from arrival until discharge.
If you are scheduled for an EGD and Colonoscopy (at the same time) it will usually take about 45 minutes. Your time in the Endoscopy Center will remain the same until discharge.
Will I be sedated during a colonoscopy?
Yes, you are sedated. We use sedation called “propofol” for your EGD or Colonoscopy. Your vital signs are continuously monitored.
Rarely, it may be decided that another type of sedation will be used and this will be discussed with you before your procedure.
What is the difference between the flexible Sigmoidoscopyand the colonoscopy? Whis is more accurate?
The Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Flex-sig) is a short examination of the lower one-third of the colon, while the Colonoscopy examines the entire colon. The flex sig usually does not involve sedation. The Colonoscopy involves conscious sedation so that the patient will be more comfortable during the procedure. The Colonoscopy is more accurate for colon cancer screening.
Does it matter which doctor I see?
No. All of our physicians are university-trained Gastroenterologists, and can handle all general digestive complaints. We encourage you to take the first available appointment so we may serve you promptly.
Should I take my normal medications before a scope test?
Yes, In general, it is best that you take all of your normal medications before and after your scope test. The exceptions would be those patients on diabetic medications (insulin or pills) and those who take medications to prevent clotting such as Coumadin and Ticlid. I you are diabetic or on these “blood thinners”, our doctor needs to review your medications and decide what should be done.
Won't my rectum be sore after having so many bowel movements during my "cleanout?"
It might be. The very nature of the cleanout process means that you will have many liquid bowel movements over several hours. This might cause some soreness around the anal area. You can minimize this by using Charmin PLUS toilet paper followed by a baby wipe (Huggies, etc.) after each bowel movement. Some patients report less problems if they apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream to the anal area after each bowel movement. You might consider purchasing these 3 items when you go to pick up your laxative solution.
Do I have to drink all of the laxative preparation solution?
Yes, please. Don’t forget that you have 6 feet of colon that we are trying to clean out from the top down. Even though it’s hard to believe, it takes the whole amount of laxative solution to really do a good job. If you want an accurate examination, it is important that your preparation for the test is complete. If your colon is not well cleaned out, the test may have to be aborted and rescheduled for another day.
Why do I need to bring a driver for my scope test appointment and does he/she have to stay the whole time I am there?
Scope examinations such as endoscopy and colonoscopy require sedation to prevent pain and discomfort. These medications make the test quite simple for the patient, but do not wear off immediately. Because of this, you can not drive your car until the following morning. Therefore, it is necessary for you to come with a friend or family member who can safely drive you home after your test is over. We ask that your driver come with you and stay the entire time. This makes them available for questions, and allows the doctor or nurse to meet with them in the recovery room after your test to explain the results.
Will my scope procedure be painful?
NO. That is the nice part. With the modern anesthetic sedatives, your examination should be painless. In fact, after their exams most patients ask, “When is the procedure going to start?” Of course, the price you pay for a painless procedure is the fact that you will not be able to work or drive the rest of the day. That is why you need a driver to take you home.
Does a colonoscopy show if I have Colon Cancer?
Yes. In fact, colonoscopy is considered to be the most accurate way to determine the health of your colon. This includes checking for cancer, polyps, colitis, diverticulosis, and other less common lower digestive problems.
I am afraid I will say things that I shouldn't while sedated.
This is a normal and common fear. Most individuals are afraid of losing control, giving away their secrets, or saying something embarrassing while they are asleep. Don’t worry. This is not truth serum. While in a state of conscious sedation, patients don’t say much of anything. The medicine does not work like that.
If the doctor finds a polyp during my test, will he remove it?
In most cases, yes. All of our doctors are trained in the latest endoscopic techniques. Most polyps can be removed at the time of the colonoscopy. Rarely, is a polyp too big or too flat to remove and surgery is necessary.
How will I feel after my test?
After your test, you will probably have a dry mouth and feel drowsy, gassy, and hungry. The dry mouth and drowsiness are from the sedation. They will gradually wear off. The gassiness is from the air that is inflated into the digestive tract during the scope test. This helps your doctor see inside your stomach or colon. Most of the air is removed after the procedure, but some of it just has to pass naturally. Since fasting is part of the preparation, you will feel hungry. The recovery room nurse will offer you something to treat the dry mouth and hunger pain. Once you go home, you can pass the rest of the gas and have breakfast. Soon, you will be back to normal. Usually there is no real pain after a scope test or sore throat after endoscopy.
Why can't I stop at a restaurant after my test?
We suggest that you go straight home and have breakfast there. This is safer since the sedation affects your blood pressure and causes drowsiness for several hours. Also, you will probably be passing a large amount of gas from your rectum for a while. Don’t subject your driver to all of this. Our suggestion is that you go straight home, pass the gas, have a meal, and take a nap for several hours. After about four hours, you may go out as long as you feel well and do not drive.
How soon can I drink alcohol after my test?
The medicines used for sedation should not be mixed with alcohol. We suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, whiskey) until the day after your scope test.
How soon can I return to work after my test?
Most patients are able to return to work the following morning.
I am drug tested at work. Is this a problem?
The sedatives used for sedation will show up in blood tests for several days. If you job requires random drug testing and you need a written excuse for work, let the doctor know.
How long do I have to wait before I fly or travel after my test?
The risk of complications is very low for these procedures. In general, if you feel well, you may fly or travel the day after your scope test. However, if the doctor removes a large polyp or if your procedure was unusual in any way, he may request that you stay in the area for at least a week after the exam. This rarely occurs. Certainly, you should not travel to any part of the world where medical attention is not readily available right after any medical procedure. Should a complication occur, you may need prompt medical attention.
How long do I have to wait for the results of my test?
Unlike an x-ray, the results of a scope test are immediate. After you awaken, the doctor will discuss the results of the test with you and your family. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. Of course, any biopsies or samples taken for lab analysis will not be available that day.
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