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 Gastroscopic Exam Preparation
Colonoscopy Instructions For Fleet Phospho-Soda Preparation
Colonoscopic Exam & Polypectomy Information
Colonoscopic Exam & Polypectomy Information
We have prepared this brochure because many patients are not familiar with Colonoscopy and
Colonoscopic Polypectomy. We feel that if you know more about this procedure, you will be
less apprehensive.
What is "Colonoscopy"?
What is a colon polyp?
Why should polyps be removed?
Who are we?
What must I do?
Who should I bring?
What will happen?
How is polypectomy performed?
Is it painful?
What is a biopsy?
Will the doctor tell me what is found?
Will I notice anything different?
Are there any complications?
Will bowel movements be painful?
What about payment?
What if I have other questions?
What is "Colonoscopy"?
It is a diagnostic procedure, which allows the physician to look into the lower digestive system
without surgery. There is no incision. The examination usually takes less than a half-hour, and
there is little or no discomfort. It permits a different way of viewing the lining of the large
intestine, or colon than does an x-ray. The purpose is to learn more about the problem you may have.
If a polyp is seen during the examination, an attempt will be made to remove it.
What is colon polyp?
It is an abnormal growth of tissue from the inner lining of the lower intestine. Polyps vary in
size from a tiny dot to the diameter of an orange.
Why should polyps be removed?
Polyps may cause rectal bleeding which can be cured by a procedure known as Polypectomy. Most
polyps are benign, but a small percentage may develop into cancer. Most experts in
Gastroenterology agree that the removal of colon polyps will prevent colon cancer.
Who are we?
We are all specialists in gGastroenterology and Endoscopy. We have
teaching appointments at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and have a long-standing association with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center as well as Holy Name Hospital.
What must I do?
The colon must be empty of any solid waste material so you must refrain from eating solid
food one day before the examination. You should have clear liquids at least every two hours
during this day. Discontinue the use of aspirin products (including Ecotrin, Bayer, etc.) iron tablets, and vitamins for one week before the procedure. Please follow all
additional instructions carefully. Please advise the office if you are taking insulin,
anticoagulants, or if you have had joint replacements, heart problems or medication allergies.
Who should I bring?
A companion, because we will give you an injection to relax. It will make you drowsy and we
want someone to help you return home. You will NOT need general anesthesia. Because of the
medication, we suggest that you go directly home after the procedure. Do not plan to make
any major decisions on the day that you receive sedation. You may not drive for 24 hours
following your procedure.
What will happen?
A flexible tube about the thickness of a finger will be inserted into the rectum. The
physician will usually be able to view the entire inner lining of the bowel quite clearly providing
adequate cleansing has been accomplished. If a polyp is seen and it appears safe to remove it, we
will attempt to do so.
How is a Polypectomy performed?
A wire loop is passed through the colonoscope and the polyp is lassoed. The attachment of the polyp
to the intestinal wall is "cut" by cauterization with an electrical current. If several polyps are
found, they too will be removed.
Is it painful?
With our technique and some medication, pain is unusual but it may occur. That is the reason
medication is given.
What is a biopsy?
If the doctor sees any unusual condition, he may take a sample of tissue for examination in a
laboratory. If he does, you will feel nothing. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and should
not be equated with cancer. If a polyp is removed, it will be sent to the laboratory for
biopsy analysis. There is generally no pain from a biopsy or polyp removal.
Will he tell me what he finds?
Yes. As soon as the examination is over, we will tell you what we found. Naturally, a report
from the laboratory will take a few days.
Will I notice anything different?
Not at all. There may be a full feeling due to the air that was instilled to permit the doctor
to see your colon.
Are there any complications?
We have performed several thousand examinations, and in our hands the potential for problems
related to the procedure or to medication is extremely slight. Possible complications are
bleeding following polyp removal or perforation of the colon wall. If you are concerned
about any symptoms after the Polypectomy, call the office at any time of the day or night.
Will bowel movements be painful?
Since your bowel is completely empty, it may take several days to accumulate sufficient
waste for a bowel movement. Do not take any laxatives. If you do have a bowel movement on the
day of the procedure, you will not feel abnormal.
What about payment?
Four charges are associated with our procedures:
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The Dr.'s fee: Your medical insurance benefit plan may pay some or the entire fee
depending on your type of coverage. All Patients are responsible for
deductibles and co-payments as determined by your insurance plan.
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Facility fee: The Endoscopy unit is a certified ambulatory center. Most insurance carriers
will pay for the use of the facility. However, you will be responsible for deductibles
by your insurance plan for out-patient procedures. If you do not have insurance,
please advise us in advance.
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Pathology / Laboratory fees: If a biopsy is taken, an independent laboratory will bill
you or your insurance carrier directly for the preparation and interpretation of the
specimen.
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Anesthesia fees: Sedation is administered by an independent anethesia group. (Judah
Schorr, M.D.). Either you or your insurance carrier will be billed directly by them.
We accept Cash, Personal Checks, MasterCard, Discover and Visa Credit Cards.
What if I have other questions?
Please call us. We want you to feel comfortable about Colonoscopy and Polypectomy.
It is only through a relationship of mutual trust and respect that we can achieve our common
goal - your good health. We thank you and your referring physician for choosing us to
participate in this phase of your treatment.
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