An upper endoscopy (EGD) takes about 10 to 20 minutes to perform. The colonoscopy takes a little longer at about 30 to 45 minutes. Recovery time is about 30 minutes. Also keep in mind the time it takes to fill read and sign the appropriate paperwork during admission. Plan on being in the facility for about 3 hours from the time you check in to the time you leave.
There are many methods used by different doctors to cleanse the colon. You doctor has chosen your prep because of your specific health history and because his/her experience tells him it works. Certain preparations can be dangerous if used in the wrong patient.
It is generally recommended that you stop taking aspirin, arthritis medications, anti-coagulants, and blood thinners about 7 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding if polyps need to be removed. In most cases, the procedure can still be performed if you forget to stop them. Call your gastroenterologist and ask if you should stop taking them.
You will be told about the preliminary results of the test before you leave to go home. You will also be given written information about these results, as it is common not to remember all of what is said soon after the procedure. If biopsies are performed or polyps removed, you will be told when to contact the gastroenterologist.
Colorectal cancer affects an equal number of men and women.
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to get in and out of. Bring a warm pair of socks to wear during your procedure. Bring a list of your medications including over the counter and herbal medications with your dosages. Bring a list of your allergies and any medical procedures or surgeries you have ever had. You should also bring your insurance card(s), a driver's license or Florida ID card for identification purposes.

Applicable payment is required on the date of service as well. The estimate you will owe can be confirmed through our business office at (305) 652-2999.

Virtual colonoscopy is a wonderful new tool used to screen healthy adults for colon cancer. It is however unable to detect small polyps in the colon. Virtual colonoscopy requires the same type of laxative preparation as the one you are having. If a polyp is found during the virtual test, it must be removed with a colonoscope. If you or a member of your family has a history of colon polyps or cancer, or you are having certain symptoms, you are ineligible to have a virtual colonoscopy.
GI endoscopy is a very safe procedure (surgery) that is routinely performed on an outpatient basis. Because we are an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) the cost of the procedure is much less than in a hospital setting. Also, rather than going through the admission process at a hospital with many other patients, our facility offers a faster and streamlined process.
Slow down. If your drinking the gallon preparation take a break from the prep solution and then try to drink 4 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. It is more important that you drink the entire gallon than to do it in the time period given. If you continue to vomit call your physician for an alternate preparation.
If you don't have frequent and progressively looser bowel movements within 3 hours of taking the preparation you will likely need something else to help it to work properly. Please contact the physician's office as soon as possible if you suspect that you are having poor results.
The laxative should produce a clear yellow or green liquid with possible sediment to it. The color should not be brown and there should be no solid material in the toilet.
After your procedure is over, you may be sleepy, uncomfortable, nauseated or simply not yourself. This is the effect of the medications used for sedation and the procedure itself. Your reflexes will be slowed until the following day and you might injure yourself or others if you try to drive or operate machinery. For this reason, you are considered legally intoxicated. This facility will not perform a sedated procedure on a person with no ride home! If you are unable to secure transportation please call the facility to see if we can assist you.
No, the walls of the colon will still be dirty and the examination will have to be rescheduled.