DIGESTIVE PROCEDURES

Colonoscopy

You have, or may be, scheduled for a colonoscopy for the purpose of examining your colon (large intestine) and (if applicable) removing a polyp or polyps.

A Pre-op Appointment is Necessary to Schedule a Colonoscopy

During a pre-op, the colon appointment time is given, insurance and financial arrangements are made, and a medical assistant does a brief medical history and assessment including weight, blood pressure, pulse and temp as well as review medications and instructions for colon preparation.

Before the Examination: Prep

Your Doctor Recommends PM/AM Split Dosing. Split dosing refers to taking half the colon prep the night before colonoscopy, and the other half on the day of the colonoscopy, usually about four to five hours before the procedure is scheduled. Split dosing makes it easier for your doctor to view abnormal growths in the colon. It improves your doctor’s ability to spot flat lesions, which are harder to find and more likely to become cancerous.

What Occurs During the Examination?

The colonoscopic 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 examination. However, you will be sedated with medications which will help the cramps. Be sure and tell is if you are allergic to any medications.

What is a Polyp?

A polyp is a growth that is attached to the colon. Most of these growths are benign but their removal is strongly recommended so that the polyp may be examined under the microscope, permitting an exact diagnosis to be made. In addition, benign polyps at time may become malignant with the passage of time. Therefore, we believe they should be removed. At times, a polyp is discovered unexpectedly during a colonoscopic examination which is being done for other reasons. We recommended 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, 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 out of the colon and sent to the pathologist for further examination.

Are There Any Possible Complications?

The possible complications of colonoscopy and polypectomy (polyp removal) include perforation (rupture) of the colon, hemorrhage from the colon and side effects due to the medicines (sedatives) which are given. In very rare circumstances, death could result from a complication.

Important Things to Remember

You should not use certain arthritis medications, known as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), for a minimum of 7 days before the test, as these may predispose you to bleeding. Please review all your medications with the doctor.

Because of the use of sedation, it is necessary that you plan to have someone else come with you and drive you home. We also recommend that you don’t drive for 24 hours after the procedure.

Arrive promptly for your appointment. Late arrival may necessitate cancellation of your appointment.

Bring your insurance card(s) with you. If you do not have insurance or other financial coverage, you will need to make financial arrangements ahead of time in the Business Office before the day of your exam.

Bring all medications with you to your appointment.

If you have any questions, call our office.

EGD – Upper Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy camera sits inside a vitamin-sized capsule that you swallow. As the capsule travels through your digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder you wear on a belt around your waist. Capsule endoscopy helps doctors see inside your small intestine — an area that isn’t easily reached with more-traditional endoscopy procedures.

ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum and inject dyes into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on X-rays.

This procedure is completed at the hospital.

Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound in order to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs

This procedure is completed at the hospital.

H. pylori Breath Testing

What are H. pylori?

H. pylori is a bacterium that is found only overlying the gastric epithelium of human stomachs.
How did I get it?

The routes of transmission are not totally clear, but the most likely route is from person to person.
How common is H. pylori in patients with ulcers?

In patients not taking anti-inflammatory agents or aspirin, H. pylori is very common as a probable cause of peptic ulcer disease.
Why is H. pylori an important infection to treat?

It has recently been proven that H. pylori is a contributing factor to gastritis and ulcers, and that eradication of this organism effectively reduces ulcer recurrences.
What does H. pylori treatment involved?

The treatment for H. pylori involves a combination of antibiotics and antisecretory drugs.
How important is it that I comply with the medications I am given for H. pylori?

Very important! Studies have shown that poor compliance leads to poor eradication of H. pylori. Therefore, the better the compliance, the more likely the H. pylori will be eradicated.
What results can I expect from eradicating H. pylori in my stomach?

If the H. pylori was the case for your ulcer or gastritis you can expect a marked improvement in your gastrointestinal symptoms, and a reduced chance of recurrence of ulcers.