General Procedure Questions
Can I use a different clear liquid to mix with the Miralax prep, other than Gatorade?
Can I take ny other medications not mentioned in the procedure instructions?
How do I know which medications have aspirin in them?
When will the laxatives that I must take for this procedure, effectively start working?
Is it safe to stop my blood thinner three days before my procedure?
Is alcohol such as gin, vodka, or beer considered a clear liquid?
I am pregnant, are there any dangers to having a colonoscopy?
Is chicken noodle soup considered a clear liquid?
TOP ^Colonoscopy Questions
What about my current medications?
What can be expected during colonoscopy?
What if the colonoscopy shows something abnormal?
What are polyps, and why are they removed?
What happens after a colonoscopy?
Why do I need someone to drive me home?
What are the possible complications of colonoscopy?
TOP ^Gastroscopy/EGD Questions
Why do I need arrangements to get home after the test?
What can be expected during the upper endoscopy?
What happens after upper endoscopy?
What are the possible complications of upper endoscopy?
TOP ^Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Questions
What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?
What about my current medications?
What can be expected during flexible sigmoidoscopy?
What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?
What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
What are the possible complications of sigmoidoscopy?
TOP ^General Procedure Questions
Can I use a different clear liquid to mix with the Miralax prep, other than Gatorade?
Yes. You can substitute any clear liquid.
Can I take ny other medications not mentioned in the procedure instructions?
Contact your primary care or your referring physician.
How do I know which medications have aspirin in them?
Call your local pharmacy.
When will the laxatives that I must take for this procedure, effectively start working?
Individual responses to laxatives vary. This preparation may cause multiple bowel movements taking effect within 30 minutes up to three hours.
Is it safe to stop my blood thinner three days before my procedure?
Please contact your primary care doctor.
Is alcohol such as gin, vodka, or beer considered a clear liquid?
No, alcohol is not a liquid that you are allowed to take.
I am pregnant, are there any dangers to having a colonoscopy?
Please check with your primary care or referring physician.
Is chicken noodle soup considered a clear liquid?
No, please use broth.
It is the policy of all facilities that the patient have a driver accompany them to the facility and stay there the entire time. If this is not possible, your procedure will be cancelled.
TOP ^Colonoscopy Questions
Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the colon (large bowel) for abnormalities, by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger, into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and colon.
The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding the dietary restrictions to be followed, and the cleansing routine to be used. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. If you do not, the procedure may have to be cancelled and repeated later.
What about my current medications?
Most medications may be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. Aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin, and iron supplements are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician prior to scheduling the examination.
What can be expected during colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There is often a feeling of pressure, bloating, or cramping at times during the procedure. Your doctor may give you medication through a vein to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort from the procedure. You will by lying on your side or on your back while the colonoscope is advanced slowly through the large intestine. As the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn, the lining is again carefully examined. The procedure usually takes 15-60 minutes. In some cases, passage of the colonoscope through the entire colon to its junction with the small intestine cannot be achieved. The physician will decide if the limited examination is sufficient or if other examinations are necessary.
What if the colonoscopy shows something abnormal?
If your doctor thinks an area of the bowel needs to be evaluated in greater detail, a forceps instrument is passed through the colonoscope to obtain a biopsy (a sample of colon lining). This specimen is submitted to the pathology laboratory for analysis. If the colonoscopy is being performed to identify sites of bleeding, the areas of bleeding may be controlled through the colonoscope by injecting certain medications or by coagulation (sealing off bleeding vessels with heat treatment). If polyps are found, they are generally removed. None of these additional procedures typically produce pain. Remember, the biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected.
TOP ^What are polyps, and why are they removed?
Polyps are abnormal growths from the lining of the colon which vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. The majority of polyps are benign (noncancerous) but the doctor cannot always tell a benign from a malignant (cancerous) polyp by its outer appearance alone. For this reason, removed polyps are sent for tissue analysis. Removal of colon polyps is an important means of preventing colorectal cancer.
Tiny polyps may be totally destroyed by fulguration (burning), but larger polyps are removed by a technique called snare polypectomy. The doctor passes a wire loop (snare) through the colonoscope and severs the attachment of the polyp from the intestinal wall by means of an electrical current. You should not feel pain during polypectomy. There is a small risk that removing a polyp will cause bleeding or result in a burn to the wall of the colon, which could require emergency surgery.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
After colonoscopy, your physician will explain the results to you. You may have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly with the passage of flatus (gas). Generally, you should be able to eat after leaving the colonoscopy, but your doctor may restrict your diet and activities, especially after a polypectomy.
Why do I need someone to drive me home?
Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes may be impaired by the sedation for the rest of the day, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate any machinery.
What are the possible complications of colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy and polypectomy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures.
One possible complication is a perforation or tear through the bowel wall that could require surgery. Bleeding may occur from the site of biopsy or polypectomy. It is usually minor and stops on its own, or can be controlled through the colonoscope. Rarely, blood transfusions or surgery may be required. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedatives used and complications from lung or heart disease. Localized irritation of the vein where medications were injected may rarely cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually. Applying hot packs or hot moist towels may help relieve discomfort.
Although complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, it is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. Contact your physician who performed the colonoscopy if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and/or chills, or rectal bleeding of more than 1/2 cup. Bleeding can occur several days after polypectomy.
Gastroscopy/EGD Questions
Upper Endoscopy (also known as an upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD], or panendoscopy) is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) using a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source.
Upper endoscopy is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent 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.
Upper endoscopy is more accurate than x-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Upper endoscopy can detect early cancer and can distinguish between benign and malignant (cancerous) conditions when biopsies (small tissue samples) of suspicious areas are obtained. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected. A cytology test (introduction of a small brush) to collect cells may also be performed.
Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. A variety of instruments can be passed through the endoscope that allow many abnormalities to be treated directly with little or no discomfort. For example, stretching narrowed areas, removing polyps (usually benign growths) or swallowed objects, and treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Safe and effective endoscopic control of bleeding has reduced the need for transfusions and surgery in many patients.
For the best (and safest) examination, the stomach must be completely empty. You should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, after midnight the night before your procedure. Your doctor will be more specific about the time to begin fasting, depending on the time of day that your test is scheduled.
It is best to inform your doctor of your current medications as well as any allergies several days prior to the examination. You should alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures, since you may need antibiotics prior to upper endoscopy as well.
Why do I need arrangements to get home after the test?
You will need to arrange to have someone to accompany you home from the examination because sedatives may affect your judgement and reflexes for the rest of the day. If you received sedation, you will not be allowed to drive after the procedure even though you may not feel tired.
What can be expected during the upper endoscopy?
Your doctor will review with you why upper endoscopy is being performed, whether any alternative tests are available and possible complications from the procedure. Practices may vary among doctors, but you may have your throat sprayed with a local anesthetic before the test begins and may be given medication through a vein to help you relax during the test. While you are in a comfortable position on your side, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and then in turn through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing during the test. Most patients consider the test to be only slightly uncomfortable and many patients fall asleep during the procedure.
What happens after upper endoscopy?
After the test, you will be monitored in the endoscopy area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore for a while, and you may feel bloated right after the procedure because of the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to resume your diet after you leave the procedure area unless you are instructed otherwise.
In most circumstances, your doctor can inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure; however, the results of biopsies or cytology samples taken will take several days.
What are the possible complications of upper endoscopy?
Endoscopy is generally safe. Complications can occur, but are rare when the test is performed by physicians with specialized training and experience in this procedure. Bleeding may occur from a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. It is usually minimal and rarely requires blood transfusions or surgery. Localized irritation of the vein where medication was injected may rarely cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually. Applying heat packs or hot moist towels may help relieve discomfort. Major complications, such as perforations (a tear that might require surgery for repair), are vey uncommon.
TOP ^Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Questions
What is flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large bowel) by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of your finger into the anus and advancing it slowly into the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
The rectum and lower colon must be completely empty of waste materials for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Your physician will give you detailed instructions regarding the cleansing routine to be used. In general, preparation consists of one or two enemas prior to the procedure, but may include laxative or dietary modifications. In some circumstances, for example if you have acute diarrhea or colitis, your physician may advise you to forego any special preparation before the examination.
What about my current medications?
Most medications may be continued as usual. You should inform your physician of all current medications, as well as any allergies to medications, several days prior to examination. However, drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants (blood thinners) are examples of medications whose use should be discussed with your physician.
What can be expected during flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There is often a feeling of pressure, bloating, or cramping at various times during the procedure. You will be lying on your side while the sigmoidoscope is advanced slowly through the rectum and colon. As the instrument is slowly withdrawn, the lining of the intestine is carefully examined. The procedure usually takes 5-15 minutes.
TOP ^What if the flexible sigmoidoscopy shows something abnormal?
If your doctor sees an area that needs evaluation in greater detail, a biopsy (a sample of colon lining) may be obtained and submitted to the laboratory for greater analysis. If polyps (growths from the lining of the colon which vary in size) are found, they can be biopsied, but usually are not removed at the time of sigmoidoscopy. Polyps are of varying types, certain benign polys, known as "adenomas" are potentially precancerous. Certain other polyps ("hyper plastic" by biopsy analysis) may not require removal. Your doctor will likely request that you have a colonoscopy (a complete examination of the colon) to remove any large polyp that is found, or any small polyp that is found to be adenomatous after biopsy analysis.
What happens after a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
After sigmoidoscopy, your physician will explain the results to you. You may have some mild cramping or bloating sensation because of the air that passed into the colon during the examination. This should disapper quickly with the passage of flatus (gas). You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving the doctor's office or hospital.
What are the possible complications of sigmoidoscopy?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures.
Possible complications after flexible sigmoidoscopy are rare. It is important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your physician if you notice any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever and/or chills, or rectal bleeding of more than 1/2 cup. It is important to note that rectal bleeding can occur several days after biopsy.
