How long does the procedure take?

EGDs and Colonoscopies each typically take about 1/2 hour or less. You will be at the Endoscopy Center approximately 3 hours from arriveal until discharge.

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Why do you recommend the Endoscopy Center rather than a hospital?

The Endoscopy Centers were built for the specific purpose of performing Endoscopic procedures . They were designed with efficiency, patient convenience and ease in mind. All of our staff are specifically trained in GI procedures and health management.  

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What is the total expected wait time for the procedure?

Typically, from the time you visit the doctor at his/her office and are scheduled for procedure at the Endoscopy Center to the time you actually have the procedure done is about one week. This may vary, but all attempts to schedule your procedure when you decide are considered. We want everyone to have a colon cancer screening out of concern for your health and peace of mind.  

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Will I be sedated during a Colonoscopy?

Yes, you are sedated. We use sedation called “conscious or moderate sedation” for your EGD or Colonoscopy.  Our Registered Nurses will administer medication ordered by your physician through an intravenous (IV) line. Your vital signs are continuously monitored by the RN. All RNs are certified in advanced cardiac life support and have been specifically trained in administering conscious sedation. Your physician may decide that a patient will receive Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC). MAC anesthesia is a deeper state of sedation and may be required if your present health warrants a deeper level of sedation & monitoring. Ask your physician about this. When it is necessary for patients to be under MAC, anesthesia personnel will remain with the patient throughout the procedure. 

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What is the difference between the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and the Colonoscopy? And, which is more accurate?

The Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (flex-sig) is a short examination of the lower one third of the colon, while the Colonoscopy examines the entire colon. The flexible sigmoidoscopy usually does not involve sedation. The Colonoscopy involves conscious sedation so that the patient will be more comfortable during the procedure. The Colonoscopy is more accurate for colon cancer screening. The flexible sigmoidoscopy may miss 25% of polyps in the screening population of normal risk patients over 50 years of age. 

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Describe the Colonoscopy screening process from start to finish.

If one chooses Colonoscopy for screening, there are two important aspects: the prep and the procedure itself. The prep is important for obtaining an optimal, visual examination. You will probably be on a clear liquid diet for 1⁄2 day the day before your procedure and typically begin your prep the evening before the procedure. The prep is a medication prescribed by your physician to cleanse your colon. Your physician will determine what prep is best for you to take according to your health status. Your stay at the endoscopy center will take approximately 3 hours, from facility check-in to discharge. Patients will check in, have monitors and an IV line placed to receive the conscious sedation medication. You will then be taken to the procedure room and sedated for the procedure. Once the procedure is completed you are taken to the recovery area to be monitored as you arouse from the sedation. Your doctor will discuss, with your permission, the findings of the colonoscopy with your adult representative. You are asked to bring an adult person with you to drive you home and relay the doctors finding to you since the sedation medication has a amnesic effect. You will be given a drink & snack and when you are somewhat awake and stable, you will be discharged to go home with your adult companion. 

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What factors influence your decision to have a patient screened?

When discussing colon cancer screening, we are referring to patients without symptoms. There are two large groups. One is the group at normal risk for colon cancer.

 Women & men over the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing colon cancer regardless of family history.

 Colonoscopy screening should start at the age of 50 and if normal and should be repeated every 5 to 10 years as indicated. If the doctor finds any polyps, you may be asked to return more frequently for screening.

These are the national guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Cancer Society. Patients with genetic predisposition are recommended to have screening much earlier, depending on the age of the 1st degree blood relative with colon cancer or colon polyps.

In general, if colon cancer exists in 1st degree blood relatives, colon cancer screening is recommended to begin at the age of 40 or 10 years before the 1st blood relative developed colon cancer, whichever age is younger. 

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How prominent is colon cancer in the United States population?

There are approximately 150,000 new cases this year in the U.S.

Colon cancer affects women and men equally and has no race predilection. Some studies reflect that African Americans may have an increased incidence of right-sided colon cancer on initial presentation. 

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What is a key point to remember about colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer, in contrast to other cancers, may be prevented if polyps are removed early.

If colon cancer develops and is diagnosed in advanced stages management of the disease becomes more complex and difficult. 

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What are some warning signs patients could look for to detect a problem within the colon?

Colon cancer typically has no warning symptoms. Some changes may be blood in your stool, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight gain or loss, anemia,  or abdominal pain. The purpose of screening is not to wait for any of these signs. Colon cancer is like hypertension in that it can be silent but devastating in its completed form. There are some warning signs that might help catch polyps or cancer early.

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