Common GI procedures:

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a lower scope in which your physician will enter a tube into your rectum to view the colon to help diagnose problems in this area.  You will receive medication for sedation during the procedure to make you comfortable.

Why is a colonoscopy performed?

The most common reasons for a doctor to prescribe a colonoscopy are:

• To look for signs of colorectal cancer or polyps (small growths);
  • Colonoscopy is recommended as a routine test for anyone over 45 years of age;
  • If a person has a family history of colorectal cancer or a higher risk for cancer, screenings may be recommended before 45 years of age;
• Diagnose and possibly treat bleeding and causes of blood in stool;
• Diagnose the reason for chronic diarrhea;
• Screen the colon if abnormal results come back from a stool or barium enema test;
• Diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD);
• Diagnose the reason for unexplained abdominal pain.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy:

• It is very important that the colon be empty (free of stool) before a colonoscopy so that a complete view of the colon can be seen during the procedure.
•  A clear liquid diet will be prescribed for 1 – 2 days prior to the test, which only allows for liquids such as fat-free broth, water, plain coffee or tea, and diet soda. Popsicles or Jello may be allowed, except for flavors that are red in color.
• Laxatives taken the night before and the morning of the test will ensure the colon is free from any obstructions.
• All patients will receive specific instructions from their gastroenterologist.

Patients must have a responsible adult available to drive them to and from the colonoscopy appointment and assist them home. Patients will not be able to drive after the test, due to the sedatives they will receive that make them sleepy and comfortable.

What to expect during the procedure:

• The patient receives sedatives before the procedure. No pain is associated with a colonoscopy.
• The gastroenterologist will guide the colonoscope through the colon and take images and videos during the process that he/she can watch on a monitor.
• The gastroenterologist examines the lining of the colon to look for inflammation, diagnose reasons for abnormal bowel movements, or find signs of cancerous tissue. If diseased tissue is found, the doctor may take biopsy specimens (tiny bits of tissue) or remove polyps (small growths).
• Women who are pregnant and people who have abdominal infections or diverticulitis have higher chances of complications from a colonoscopy and should only have a colonoscopy if a doctor deems it necessary.

Colonoscopy results:

Your doctor may be able to tell you the results immediately after the procedure. Other test results may be ready in several days.