COLONOSCOPY AND UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY

COLONOSOCPY is an examination of the large intestine by means of a flexible tube with a bright light. This flexible tube is called a colonoscope and it relays images form inside your colon to a television screen viewed by the physician. After you have completed your preparation at home, you will come to the appropriate location for your procedure, where the test will be explained, and you will be given an opportunity to ask questions prior to signing an informed consent form. After you change into your gown and robe, the nurse will insert a small intravenous catheter into a vein in your arm and tape it in place to give you medication before and during the test, as needed. You will be lying on the cushioned table on your left side. 

When you are comfortable, the doctor will examine your rectum, and then insert the lubricated tip of the tube. During this test, some people experience gas-like sensations. This is due to the air put into your intestine in order to see it well, and to the tube passing around the bends of the intestine. You might also experience the feeling that you need to move your bowels. This is caused by the presence of the tube and the air. If needed, more medication will be given to keep you comfortable. The examination usually takes from twenty to forty minutes. 

The instrument is able to suction any leftover laxative solution and the air put into you, as needed for your comfort. It is possible to take biopsies and remove polyps through a channel in the tube and this procedure is painless. 

UPPER GI ENDOSOCPY is an examination of your esophagus, stomach and first part of your small intestine, using a flexible tube called an endoscope which has a bright light on it. You will have the back of your throat numbed by either a spray or a gargle. This will help prevent gagging. When you are comfortable, the doctor will put the tip of the small tube in your mouth, toward the back of your tongue, and ask you to swallow. You will be able to breathe normally, and the nurse will suction any extra saliva or mucus from your mouth during the test, if necessary. 

You may feel some fullness or perhaps the need to belch. This is expected and is related to the air used to distend the stomach to see it well. Most patients are comfortable enough to fall asleep during the examination. 

When the exams are over, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will rest for a period of time. Then, the intravenous catheter will be removed from your arm and you may use the bathroom and get dressed. The doctor will then explain the results to you and your family. 

If you must cancel or reschedule the examination, please call 793-5034 at the earliest possible time. There are often significant delays in rescheduling and if there are any questions re: the need to cancel due to sickness or other health issues, it is essential that you contact our office or our physician on call (after hours or on weekends).