About your Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure where your entire large intestine (colon) is visualized using a flexible endoscope. You will receive sedation before the procedure is begun. A polyp, if found, or biopsy (sample of tissue) may be removed from the colon for microscopic analysis during the test. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete and is seldom remembered by the patient. You will remain in the recovery area until you are fully awake. It is normal to experience some cramping and mild abdominal discomfort for up to several hours after the test.
Risks, Complications, and Alternatives
Incidental side effects after colonoscopy include bloating or distention, abdominal cramping and atypical bowel movements for several days to one week after the exam. Serious side-effects include bleeding (3 per 1,000 cases), perforation (tear in the colon lining) (1 per 1,000 cases), phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) and drug reactions (1 per 5,000 cases). Colonoscopy is not perfect and carries a small chance of missing a polyp. If a perforation occurs, surgery is likely needed for repair. As an alternative, a barium enema could be performed, but you would need a colonoscopy if an abnormality is found.
Insurance Coverage for your Procedure
It is the policy of Hershey Endoscopy Center and Hershey Medical Center to require patients undergoing screening colonoscopies (without indication or symptoms, including family history of colon cancer or polyps) to sign a Waiver of Financial Liability. This means that if your insurance carrier does not pay for the procedure, you would be responsible for the charges. We recommend that you personally contact your insurance company to verify coverage.
Colonoscopy Preparation
You will receive separate instructions for cleaning out the colon prior to the exam. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand these directions several days prior to the exam date. Do not eat, drink, smoke, use lozenges, or chew gum after midnight the day of your exam. If your procedure is schedule after noon, refer to the bowel prep instruction sheet. If you take any heart, blood-pressure, or breathing medication, take them with a sip of water prior to your exam. IF YOU TAKE ASPIRIN, COUMADIN, PLAVIX TICLID, OR ANY OTHER BLOOD-THINNER BY A DOCTOR'S ORDER, PLEASE LET US KNOW. THESE MEDICATIONS USUALLY ARE STOPPED PRIOR TO THE EXAM AND YOU MAY NEED TO GET SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUR PROCEDURE MAY BE CANCELLED DUE TO RISK OF BLEEDING IF SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED. The scheduling nurse at Hershey Endoscopy Center should have given you specific instructions on how to take your medications prior to the exam. If you have any questions please call us at 717-531-1318.
The Day of your Exam
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A DRIVER WITH YOU TO YOUR EXAM APPOINTMENT. You MAY NOT walk, take a taxi, or any other form of public transportation. You will not be permitted to drive for 12 hours following your prodedure as your judgment will be impaired due to the sedation. Please remember to fill out and bring the information sheet that was mailed to you. Please wear comfortable clothing, preferably short-sleeves. You should plan to be at the Hershey Endoscopy Center about 1-2 hours.
After the Exam
Do not expect to return to work until the next day, due to the effects of the sedation. Your physician will explain the results of your exam before you are discharged. Biopsy and polyp results may not be available for up to two weeks. Your referring physician will be sent a copy of your report. You will receive a copy of the report and written instructions which will include a phone number to call if you should have any problems or questions after you return home.
