- Home
- Why GI Specialists
- Our Services
- Your Office Visit
- Your Health
- For Healthcare Professionals
- Contact
- Locations
Procedures
- Esophageal Manometry
- PH studies
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Video Capsule Endoscopy
- Hemorrhoidal Banding
- On this page:
- Overview
- What to expect
- Preparation
- Potential complications
- Aftercare
Colonoscopy
The colonoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure at GI Specialists of Georgia with 12,726 performed in 2007.
Overview
The procedure allows a physician to look inside the entire large intestine by inserting a small flexible tube (colonoscope) into the rectum and gently pushing it through the large intestine. The physician can see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers and bleeding in the colon and rectum, which may indicate early stages of cancer.What to expect
During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure your comfort. An intravenous, or IV, line will be inserted to give you medication to make you relaxed and drowsy. Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to us. In order to provide this environment, our centers have physician anesthesiologists and anesthetists working together to provide monitored anesthesia care. The medication (propofol) that is utilized for the anesthetic/sedative for this procedure enables you to be comfortably asleep for the procedure and wake up very quickly with minimal side effects. Once you are fully asleep, your doctor will do a rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger; then the lubricated colonoscope will be gently inserted.
After your colonoscopy is complete you will be cared for in a recovery area until the effects of the medication have worn off. Your doctor will give you the results of your colonoscopy and provide any additional information that you need to know. You’ll also be given instructions about how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.
Preparation
In 2007, our colonoscopy completion rate was 97%, which is well above the national average. This reflects both the experience and dedication of our staff, as well as our patients’ commitment to following the preparation instructions. One of the best ways to ensure a successful colonoscopy is to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions and to contact us if you have any questions at all.
Depending on your medical history, your doctor will prescribe one of several colonoscopy preparations. Click on the links below to download the instructions for each preparation.
Potential complications
Although the colonoscopy is a safe procedure, complications can sometimes occur. A perforation of the colon walls sometimes occurs, which could require surgical repair.
When polyp removal or biopsy is performed, hemorrhage (heavy bleeding) may result and sometimes require blood transfusion or reinsertion of the colonoscope to control the bleeding. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about the procedure with your doctor.
Aftercare
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as bloating, gas, or mild cramping. These symptoms should disappear in 24 hours or less. By the time you’re ready to go home, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, rest for the remainder of the day. You must have a family member or friend take you home. You will not be permitted to leave on your own.
A day or so after you’re home, you might speak with a member of the colonoscopy team for follow-up, or you may have questions you want to ask the doctor directly.