Questions
- What is a colonoscopy like?
- Are colonoscopies uncomfortable?
- What's needed to schedule my colonoscopy?
- What is Endoscopy?
- Why are Endoscopies done?
1. What is a colonoscopy like?
Colonoscopy is a medical term that has two parts'colono which refers to the colon, or large intestine, and scopy which means, 'looking into.' Therefore, colonoscopy is a test that lets your doctor see inside your colon. He does this with an instrument called a colonoscope which is a long flexible tube about the width of your index finger. At the end of this tube is a small digital TV camera with a wide angle lens. With this instrument the entire lining of the colon can be evaluated for possible inflammation, ulceration, and polyps/tumors. Through the scope it is possible to biopsy the lining of the colon and remove polyps.
2. Are colonoscopies uncomfortable?
The three things that are disagreeable about a colonoscopic test are the prep, the actual procedure, and the inability to resume completely normal activity for 8 to 12 hours after the procedure.
- Prep
- In retrospect most people dislike the prep the most, but there really isn't any enjoyable method of cleaning out the colon, which is done on the afternoon and the evening before the day of the exam. I try to use the prep that is most easily tolerated. It is very important to have a 'clean' colon for the endoscopy because this will allow for a much more accurate and comfortable exam. Details of the prep are included in this site.
- Procedure
- The second hurdle is the exam itself. Patients will often be concerned about potential embarrassment of the procedure, the possible discomfort they might feel during it, and also be worried about what might be found. Before the procedure starts, the patient will be given a light easily reversible conscious sedation. The procedure can be done in some cases without sedation, but most patients' desire sedation. In almost all cases, though it doesn't put you totally asleep, there is no recollection of the procedure. The sedation starts to wear off after 20 minutes, which about the length of a normal test. Therefore the procedure is not remembered, and it is not a bad experience. Although 80 % of the sedative effect is gone in one to two hours, there is residual sedation of a minor degree, which makes it unsafe to drive a car, or try to perform any endeavor that requires good judgment and coordination for the rest of that day. Therefore you will need to have someone available to drive you home. The total time for a normal colonoscopy will be about l' hours at the endoscopy center. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the test is to start, and you will be observed for about 30 minutes after the procedure before being released to go home.
3. What's needed to schedule my colonoscopy?
First make sure that we participate with your insurance coverage.
Read all the information about the procedure, including the possible Risks and complications. Utilize the Links for further information about colon cancer etc. and if you wish to proceed click the 'I agree' at the bottom of the informed consent page. Fill out the Health Questionnaire.
Call the office and verify that you are eligible for 'Open Access Endoscopy'*, or if not, schedule an appointment to see one of the doctor's first.
Copy the instructions for the prep, and call again for any questions if needed. Be sure that you have a driver to bring you home after the test.
You may be asked to copy your insurance card and fax a copy to the office. Within a short time our office should be able to get Authorization for the procedure from you insurance company and schedule the test at a mutually agreeable date and time.
4. What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy (also known as GI Endoscopy) is a procedure that enables your physician to diagnose and treat digestive diseases by examining the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy is more than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the digestive tract. Upper Endoscopy, often called Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or Panendoscopy, focuses on the upper part of the digestive tract. Lower Endoscopy, often called Colonoscopy, examines the large intestine.
5. Why are Endoscopies done?
Upper endoscopies are usually performed to evaluate symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, lower endoscopies help determine the cause of bleeding from the lower digestive tract. Lower endoscopies are also performed to screen for colorectal cancer and to evaluate symptoms of lower abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea.
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