Why Is  A Colonoscopy Done?

A colonoscopy is performed for the purpose of examining your colon (large intestine) and removing a polyp or polyps if necessary.

How Is A Colonoscopy Done?

The colonoscopy examination is done by inserting a: long flexible lighted tube into the rectum and beyond. In many cases, the instrument can be inserted throughout the entire extent of the large intestine, permitting a complete examination. Abdominal cramps are usually experienced by the patient during the course of the examination. However, you will be sedated with medications  which will help the cramps. Be sure and tell us if you are allergic to any medications.

How Do I Prepare For A Colonoscopy?

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS PREP SO THAT THE DOCTOR CAN SEE YOUR COLON IN ITS ENTIRETY. WHEN YOU HAVE A POOR BOWEL PREP, POLYPS AND COLON CANCER HAVE A GREATER CHANCE OF BEING MISSED.

• Day Before The Colonoscopy
  Clear liquids only all day (Jello, Apple Juice, White Grape Juice, Broth, etc.)
  4:30pm Mix 1 tablespoon of Fleets oral saline laxative in 80z of clear liquid. REPEAT again at 4:45pm and again at 5:00pm.
  5:30pm to 7:00pm Drink 8 oz of clear liquid every half hour.
  7:30pm Mix 1 tablespoon of Fleets oral saline laxative in 8 oz of clear liquid.
  REPEAT again at 7:45pm and again at 8:00pm.
  8:30pm Drink 80z of clear liquid.
  9:00 pm Take 4 Dulcolax tablets with 8 oz of clear liquid.
  Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

• Morning of the Colonoscopy
  Stop any Aspirin, Anti-Inflammatory medications (like Advil, Ibuprofen, Morrin, Vioxx etc.);Coumadin, Plavix, Vitamin E or any blood thinning medication five (5) days before the endoscopy. These medications may make you bleed if the doctor takes any polyps or tissues for biopsy. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE PRESCRIBING DOCTOR BEFORE STOPPING THE ABOVE MEDICATIONS. If you are not sure about the medications you are taking, please call the prescribing physician to see if they fall under the above category. You may take Tylenol if needed.

• Take you regular medications, including your blood pressure medications with a little sip of water. Do not take any diabetic medication in the morning, day of your test. If you are insulin-dependent diabetic, please call the doctor managing your diabetes to adjust your insulin prior to beginning your prep.

Can I Drive After A Colonoscopy?

You will not be allowed to drive yourself home due to the medication that will be given to you during your procedure. Please make prior arrangements for your transportation home.

Before Your Colonoscopy

Make sure to read the specific individual instructions given to you by your doctor before you come to the center. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night prior to your procedure, unless you are instructed otherwise.

As a patient, you will be asked to sign a consent form, before your procedure, to authorize the doctor to perform it. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian sign the consent form. Remember to leave all your jewelry and valuables at home.

Please arrange to have someone stay at the center during your procedure. You will not be able to drive after your procedure. You will be required to change into one of our patient gowns, so remember to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put on. Please bring a list of your current medications, driver's license/photo I.D. and your insurance card and/or Medicare I.D. card (s). You will be expected to make a payment/co-payment at the time of your procedure.

When You Arrive for Your Colonoscopy

Please notify the receptionist of your arrival. Your driver's license/photo LD. and your insurance card. Medicare LD. card will be photocopied and returned to you. The receptionist will also collect your co-payment at this time. If you haven't already filled-out forms about your health history, you will be asked to do so at this time. A nurse will speak with you and record your vital signs, allergies and other patient information. An LV. will be started so that we may give you intravenous medication. This medication will help you relax and feel more comfortable.

When you arrive at the hospital a nurse will admit you to the Prep and Discharge area. When your doctor is ready to do your procedure you will be taken to the Endoscopy room. Monitors will be placed on your arm, your finger, and your chest. These monitors do not hurt when applied and will allow the doctor and nurses to check your heart rate, blood pressure, and assess your breathing during your procedure.

If you are having an upper endoscopy, you  will have to remove any dentures, partial plates and/or oral body jewelry prior to your procedure. Your family and/or loved ones will need to wait in our comfortable waiting room until your procedure is completed and you are discharged .

Colonoscopy Sedation

You will be sedated during your procedure. A small needle will be inserted in to your arm with an IV fluid attached so medication can be given during your procedure to make you comfortable. Pictures may be taken during your procedure for your medical record. If the doctor finds an area that needs a biopsy he will do it during your procedure, This does not hurt and you will feel no discomfort from it afterwards. After your procedure is over you will return to the Prep and Discharge area. There will be nurses there who will take care of you until your doctor says it is okay for you to go home. The nurses will call your family member and let them know you are back.

The medicine you will be given during your procedure will make it difficult for you to remember the procedure and any information or instructions you may be given. Your doctor will talk to you and your family following the procedure and give you a sheet of paper with his findings and follow-up instructions.

You may be sleepy for the rest of the day following the test. Your reflexes will also be slower than normal. Please do not drive a car or operate any equipment for 24 hours. It would be important to call Dr. TBD if you experience abdominal pain, fever, shaking, chills, or bleeding following your Colonoscopy.

What is a Polyp?

A polyp is a growth that is attached to the inside of the colon. Most of these growths  are benign but their removal is strongly recommended so chat (the polyp may be examined under (he microscope, permitting an exact diagnosis to be made. In addition, benign polyps at times may become malignant with (he passage of time. Therefore, we believe they should be removed. At times, a polyp is discovered unexpectedly during the course of a colonoscopic examination which is being done for other reasons. We recommend that all patients give us permission ahead of time to remove polyps if they are discovered.

What Happens If A Polyp Is Discovered?

If a polyp is discovered during your colonoscopy, a thin snare wire is passed through the colonoscope and the polyp is encircled. The snare is tightened and an electric current is passed through the wire which cuts off the polyp. The polyp is then brought our of the colon and sent to the pathologist for further investigation.

After The Colonoscopy

You will rest for a short time in our recovery room until the effects of the medication wear off. After you meet with your physician, you will be given verbal and written discharge instructions.

Colonoscopy Discharge Instructions

We performed a colonoscopy today based on the following indications:
• Screening Colonoscopy
During the procedure we found the following:
• Grade 1 internal hemorrhoids
• Diverticulosis of the colon
• Stool in the whole colon

Our recommendations are as follows:
• Maintain a high fiber diet
• Follow up with gastroenterologist as needed
• Follow-up with your doctor as needed
• You may feel cramping for the next few hours, which may also make you nauseated. This is because air was put into the colon for the procedure. You should start to expel this air after the procedure is finished, and before you leave the center. However, if you have severe abdominal (stomach) pain or swelling, please call us right away.
• After the procedure begin drinking fluids. Your first meal should be "light" (nothing too greasy or heavy), then progress to your normal diet.
• You may pass small amounts of bright red blood today. If bleeding continues or worsens, call your physician.
• Do not make any important business or personal decisions today. Do not sign any legal documents today. You may feel drowsy from the medications that you were given.
• Do not drink any alcohol today, as you may already feel drowsy.
• Do not drive any motor vehicle or operate dangerous equipment today .. Weakness and lack of coordination are the result of the medications used today.
• If you have redness or swelling at sites where medications were given, place a warm wet washcloth over the affected area for twenty minutes. If the symptoms persist for over two days please contact our office or the physician.
• If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or greater, chills, or any unexplained nausea, vomiting, or pain during the next 48 hours, please call your physician or the Center.
If you are unable to reach your physician, please go to the nearest Emergency Room.

Paying For Your Colonoscopy

If you have insurance, we will help you maximize your benefits by filing for you. However, a co-payment (coinsurance or deductible) will be expected at the time of your procedure. For your convenience, we accept cash, check and most major credit cards. You will receive a comprehensive bill for the services provided at Space Coast Endoscopy Center. You will also receive a separate bill from your physician, pathology, laboratory and anesthesiologist when applicable. Please feel free to call our billing office with any questions you may have about billing procedures and! or payment arrangements.