Colonoscopy and Endoscopy Services

Most people don't find these exams painful, although some people have more discomfort than others. Patients will be given medication to make them comfortable through a colonoscopy.

During this test, air is pumped into the cleaned out colon to keep it open so that doctors can get the best pictures. The air pressure may cause some discomfort and cramping.

As with most medical tests, complications are possible with both of these tests. Some can be serious—for instance bleeding and puncture of the colon—but they're very uncommon.

Colonoscopy is almost always done by a doctor or a surgeon.

Colonoscopy is done in a private area in the hospital outpatient department. The patient's privacy is very important. If you have concerns, talk with the doctor about where and how the procedure will be done.

Many people consider the bowel preparation (often called the bowel prep) the worst part of this test. For the doctor to see your insides clearly and get good pictures, your bowels need to be as cleaned out as possible. You probably will be told to avoid certain foods and medicines and might be put on a clear liquid diet for one or more days before these exams. You will take very strong laxatives, and you might also need enemas to clean out your colon. When you choose a day for your exam, pick one that will allow for you to be at home the day or evening before the test when you do the preparation.

You will get instructions from your doctor's office ahead of time. Read them carefully, since you will probably need to buy special supplies (like clear liquids, soups and gelatin) and get laxatives or enemas. If any of the instructions are not clear or you do not understand them, call the doctor's office and go over them step-by-step with the nurse. This is your chance to discuss any concerns about the bowel prep you may have.

Preparing for colonoscopy makes you go to the bathroom a lot! As soon as you take the laxatives, you'll need to stay close to a bathroom. They can start working pretty quickly. They may still be working the next morning when you go for your colonoscopy appointment. Don't be embarrassed to ask for a bathroom when you get here. The staff is used to it.

Most people feel OK after a colonoscopy. You could feel a bit woozy from the medications that help you relax. You may have some gas because of the air that was pumped into the bowel, which can cause cramping and discomfort. Because of the medications given for the test, you will need someone to take you home. Because a colonoscopy is usually done with medications that make you sleepy, most people miss work the day of the test.

If a small polyp is found, your doctor will probably remove it during the test. Over time, some polyps could become cancer. If your doctor sees a large polyp, a tumor or anything else abnormal, a biopsy (by-op-see) may be done. For the biopsy, part or all of the polyp or abnormal area is taken out through the colonoscope. It is then sent to the lab for a doctor to look at under a microscope.

Colorectal cancer screening helps people stay well and saves lives. Regular colorectal cancer testing is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer or finding it early when it is easier to treat. There are several basic types of screening tests.

Tests that mainly find cancer: These involve testing the stool (feces) for signs that cancer may be present. These tests are easier, but they are also less likely to detect polyps.

Removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer from ever starting. And cancers found in an early stage, while they are small and before they have spread, are more easily treated. Nine out of 10 people whose colon cancer is discovered early will be alive five years later. And many will live a normal lifespan.

Too often people don't get any of these screening tests, and then the cancer can grow and spread without being noticed. Early on, colorectal cancer doesn't usually cause any changes that are noticed (symptoms). In most cases by the time people do have symptoms, the cancer is advanced and very hard to treat.

Regular screening is the most reliable way to find these cancers in the early stages. Ask a doctor about the best screening plan for you.

Yes, as long as you get enough down to start having frequent watery/clear bowel movements, the prep should be adequate.

If you don't like the taste of the liquid in the bowel prep kit, drink the liquid very cold (or on ice) and use a straw to help bypass some of your taste buds. Drink quickly rather than slowly.

If you still feel you cannot finish enough of the prep, please call 218.736.8185.

The low residue diet is recommended as one part of your overall preparation for colonoscopy. Following the low residue diet provides added assurance that your preparation will be adequate. The most important aspect of the preparation is the laxative solution itself, which you have been instructed to drink.

Whether or not you complete this solution as instructed is what will determine the success of your preparation. Do your best to follow our dietary recommendations, but if for some reason you can't, we probably won't need to reschedule you.

If you are sick, you may keep your scheduled appointment as long as you are not vomiting or experiencing a fever or a cough with sputum/phlegm.

Please call us at 218.736.8185 first thing in the morning if you feel you need to reschedule.

Yes. Generally, this will not be a problem, and if we remove a polyp then we will ask you not to take aspirin or NSAIDs for one week.

Yes, but stop taking the vitamins right away. If you find your stool is generally very black when taking iron, it might be better to reschedule the colonoscopy for when you have stopped the iron for a week and your stools are brown.

You should check with the doctor who prescribed the Coumadin about how far in advance you should stop taking it prior to a colonoscopy.

For most procedures, you can still come in as scheduled but should realize that under certain circumstances you might be at increased risk for bleeding. Your doctor may also want to postpone certain therapeutic procedures (for example, removing a large polyp).

Every patient's case is different. We strongly recommend that you discuss your diet and colonoscopy prep with your primary care physician prior to scheduling your colonoscopy.

Yes. You should take all hypertension and cardiac medications at your usual times with a small amount of water.