A colonoscopy requires that you take a "bowel prep" or a regimen of laxatives and a liquid diet. This ensures that your colon is clean and clear of stool for a better examination. It is very important that you follow the instructions for the bowel prep . Sometimes, the bowel prep can make you nauseated or even cause you to vomit. If you do vomit or are unable to finish your prep, be sure to notify your doctor prior to coming into the center for your procedure. Do not mix any red or orange drinks of any kind with your prep as this looks very much like blood during your colonoscopy.

To fully evacuate the colon, this preparation will cause you to have many liquid bowel movements. Individual responses to the laxative can vary widely. Plan to remain near a restroom. Many patients find that moist towelettes may minimize the expected anal irritation from wiping. Also rubbing a small amount of Desitin or A&D Ointment around the anal area after each bowel movement can lessen the irritation.

Please follow the instructions given to you by your physician.

After awakening from sedation, most patients have minimal discomfort. You may feel drowsy and repeat questions for several hours. This comes from a short term amnesic effect of one of the medicines you may have received. If you have an upper endoscopy, you may find yourself belching for a short time following awakening. Your throat may be sore but usually will be fine in 24 hours. If you have a colonoscopy, you may feel bloated immediately after the procedure. You will be encouraged to expel the air. Do not be embarrassed. This air was instilled during your procedure to dilate your colon for better viewing. You will be able to pass it easily.

Most Endoscopic procedures are done under what is called conscious or moderate sedation. This involves giving you one or more medications through an intravenous (IV) line. This type of sedation causes you to become drowsy and relaxed and you may sleep during the procedure, not consciously aware of what is occurring. In addition, some medications produce a temporary short-term amnesia effect. Therefore, you may not remember anything that occurs during and sometimes for a short time after the procedure.

This type of sedation does not really "knock you out." You will be able to breathe on your own and follow simple commands. For most patients, this sedation is more than adequate for their produce. If you drink moderate to large amounts of alcohol, take sleeping pills, or are on antidepressants or pain pills on a regular basis and have concerns about your sedation, be sure to discuss this with your physician prior to your procedure date.

The 2 most common sedative type medications used during Endoscopic procedures are Fentanyl, Versed and Demerol is also used occasionally.

Fentanyl - This medication is a narcotic pain reliever, generally with anesthesia for surgery or procedures.
Demerol - This medication is a narcotic analgesic used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Versed - also called Midazolam is used before operations or procedures to relax you, make you sleepy and to decrease your memory of the event.

Most patients do not require antibiotics for Endoscopic procedures. However, if you have had a heart valve replacement you will require antibiotics to decrease the risk of getting an infection. Discuss this with you physician and the Endoscopy staff. If you require antibiotics, they will be given to you through a small intravenous. The most common antibiotics are Amoxicillin and Gentamicin.

Notify the Endoscopy staff if you have an allergy to these medications

You should discuss the need for insulin or a modification in your dose or amount you usually take with your physician prior to your scheduled appointment. You may want to bring your own blood sugar monitoring device to the Endoscopy center. The Endoscopy staff will ensure your safety and make every attempt to prevent complications by monitoring and treating your diabetes.

You will know if you have had a previous allergic reaction to Latex. If you have allergies to certain types of foods this may be an indicator that you have an allergy to latex. The most common of these foods are banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi fruit and tomato. Please discuss this with your physician and tell the staff at The Endoscopy Center when you arrive for your appointment.

The Endoscopy Center is well equipped with non-latex equipment.

It is important to discuss all medical conditions with your physician. Your physician may require your heart doctor to evaluate your condition prior to having the procedure. The Endoscopy Center staff is certified in American Heart Association Health care provider CPR and The Endoscopy Center is well- equipped with an AED and emergency life-saving equipment. We practice safe and high quality, patient focused health care.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, it is best to have this procedure performed in a hospital setting. You should discuss the necessity for having this procedure while you are pregnant with your physician. Your physician may recommend the procedure after you deliver your baby.

Your physician will advise you what type of diet to resume following your procedure. First meals may need to be light but this is determined by what was done during your procedure and physician preference.

Even though the sedatives wear off quickly after your procedure, they can affect your coordination for up to 12 hours. Technically, you are legally impaired. Therefore, for your safety and the safety of others on the road, please bring someone to drive you home. Your procedure can be canceled if you have no one to assist you. Please be certain that your driver knows (s) he or she must sign you out upon discharge from The Endoscopy Center.

Your physician usually will be able to tell you how well your procedure went and possibly some preliminary findings prior to your discharge. Often, tissue samples are obtained during the exam. These samples (biopsies) are sent to our laboratory and results can take 2-7 days to return to your physician. Your physician or his office will call you or you will be instructed when to call his office for the results . Because of the medications you are given you may not remember much of what you are told after your procedure. You will be given written instructions to take home and review. Often times you will be requested to make a follow-up appointment with your physician or Nurse Practitioner to discuss the findings of your exam.

You may take all of your normal prescription medications unless otherwise directed. If you are taking Coumadin ®, Plavix ®, any blood thinning medicine or Insulin call your physician for special instructions before you begin your preparation.

All of the physicians performing procedures at The Endoscopy Center have completed a thorough review of their training, licenses, and credentials. Our physicians are all Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and also Board Certified in their medical subspecialty of Gastroenterology.

Please bring your insurance card. Wear comfortable clothes. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Bring a responsible adult to take you home after your procedure. Please bring a list of the medications you are currently taking as well as the list of medications allergies, allergies to adhesive tape or Latex, list of surgical procedures or medical conditions. A pair of socks to keep your feet warm.

Some general dietary and lifestyle recommendations for good colon health include:

Exercising daily

Use some type of relaxation techniques daily

Try to have a regular schedule to have bowel movements

Do not to use caffeine excessively

DO NOT SMOKE

Avoid constipating type drugs

Drink plenty of fluids every day

Eat at least 40 grams of fiber everyday

Do not eat right before bedtime

Reduce or modify the amount of alcohol you consume

Consult your physician if you have a change in the way you feel

Get regular screening and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

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