guide for your colonoscopy · you’ll be sedated for the colonoscopy, so you will need to arrange...

The Ultimate Guide For Your Colonoscopy

Fort Myers Location 4790 Barkley Circle, Building A

Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Cape Coral Location 1303 SE 8th Terrace

Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 458-0822

Bonita Springs Location 3501 Health Center Blvd. Suite 2130

Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Barkley Surgicenter Location 63 Barkley Circle, Suite 104 Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

(239) 275-8452

SouthWestFloridaGastro.com

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Table of Contents

Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Colonoscopies ��

What is a Colonoscopy? ��

Why is a Colonoscopy Performed? ��

Who Should Get a Colonoscopy? ��

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors ��

Preparing for a Colonoscopy ��

What Happens During a Colonoscopy? ��

The Colonoscope ��

After Your Exam ��

What Should You Expect After a Colonoscopy? ��

Our Physicians and Offices ��

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2 | The Ultimate Guide For Your ColonoscopySouthWestFloridaGastro.com

Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About ColonoscopiesWithin this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about a colonoscopy, why they’re important, and what to expect when you get one. If you have any questions or concerns regarding colorectal cancer and colonoscopies for you or a loved one, feel free to call one of our offices.

An estimated 101,420 cases of colon cancer and 44,180 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 20191

60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening2


1 https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2019/cancer-facts-and-figures-2019.pdf

2 https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/prevent/about-colorectal-cancer/facts-stats/3 https://nccrt.org/data-progress/

Did you know that1 in 3 ADULTS

which is

20,000,000 Americans

have not been tested for colorectal cancer as recommended by the

United States Preventive Services Task Force

(USPSTF).

51,020 deaths are from colorectal cancer3

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that lets your doctor look at the interior lining of your large intestine (your colon and rectum) through a thin, flexible viewing instrument called a colonoscope.

4 A colonoscopy has the longest rescreening interval of all test options; if the results are normal, the exam does not need to be repeated for 10 years in average-risk patients.

A colonoscopy can be used as a screening test (colon screening) to identify and remove precancerous growths in the colon or rectum.


A colonoscopy is useful for identifying and removing colon polyps, as well as detecting colon cancer, diverticular disease, and colitis.

I had my first colonoscopy today. The procedure was flawless from check-in to the actual colonoscopy itself.

-Google Review

Why is a COLONOSCOPY Performed?

A physician will perform a colonoscopy to:● Examine the intestinal canal for

problems and to help determine potential causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, and persistent diarrhea

● Screen for polyps (tissue growths in the colon) and colon cancer

● Detect and remove any polyps in patients that have had prior polyps to reduce the risk of colon cancer

● Investigate the cause of iron deficiency anemia (a low blood count stemming from the loss of iron)


Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?Although colorectal cancer can affect people in any age group, your chances of receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis increase progressively after age 50.

Over 90% of colorectal

cancer patient are 50-years old

and older.


Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors


A Personal History of:

● Ulcerative colitis

● Intestinal polyps

● Breast, uterine, or organ cancer

A Family History of:

● Colorectal cancer and polyps

If you experience any of the following common symptoms of colorectal cancer, you may want to consider having a colonoscopy:

● Rectal bleeding

● Fluctuations in your bowels like chronic constipation or diarrhea

● Abdominal discomfort and weight loss (indicators of an advanced stage of colon cancer)

Many polyps and early-stage cancers do not cause symptoms making it imperative that you incorporate a colonoscopy into your routine physicals after the age of 50.

If you have a parent or sibling that has had colon cancer or polyps, it is a good idea to begin your colon cancer screening when you reach 40 years old.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Empty Your Bowels

Before undergoing a colonoscopy, you will need to empty your colon. Any residual content in your colon obscures the viewing process and increases the chances your doctor may miss irregularities during the exam.

Ways to Clean Out Your Colon

To clean out your colon, your physician may ask you to:

● Refrain from eating fiber-rich, solid food the day before the procedure.

● Use a laxative the night before your exam or the morning of your colonoscopy.

● Adjust your medication — your doctor must be aware of any medicines you are taking especially for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems (such as blood thinners.)


What Happens During a Colonoscopy?A colonoscopy is generally performed in your physician’s ambulatory surgery center, which is fully equipped and designed for the procedure.

You’ll be sedated for the colonoscopy, so you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may feel sleepy or dizzy after the exam.

The procedure lasts about 30 to 60 minutes but may take longer if polyps are found and require removal.

The Procedure

During the colonoscopy, you will:

1. Lie on your side with your knees close to your waist.

2. Be covered with a sheet.

3. Be monitored by your anesthesia provider for blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing throughout the procedure.

4. If a polyp is detected, it may be removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.


The ColonoscopeThe colonoscope is a specially-designed flexible tube-like instrument that is inserted into your rectum and through the entire length of the colon. It then inflates the colon to improve the view of the lining of the colon5.

A light with a video camera on its tip allows direct visualization of the inner lining of the colon for

diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

A colonoscopy can help reduce colon rectal cancer incidence by about 40%

and mortality by about 50%6.


5 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-203935696 https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-

figures-2017-2019.pdf

After Your Exam

After your exam, you’ll rest in a recovery room for about 30 minutes until the sedative wears off.

COLONOSCOPY IS A SAFE PROCEDURE

WITH A RARE INCIDENCE OF COMPLICATIONS


I woke up promptly from the anesthesia after it was done and felt 100%� No grogginess at all and went on with my day!

-Google Review

What Should You Expect After a Colonoscopy?Your physician will discuss the results of your colonoscopy.

A Negative Outcome:

If no irregularities are found in your colon, your colonoscopy is considered negative.

A Positive Outcome:

If unusual tissue or polyps are found in your colon, a colonoscopy is deemed positive.

The majority of polyps are not cancerous; however, some may represent the warning signs of cancer. The polyps extracted during colonoscopy are analyzed in the lab to conclude whether they are malignant or benign.

If you experience the following symptoms, contact your physician immediately:

● Severe abdominal pain

● A fever

● Bloody bowel movements

● Dizziness

● Weakness 7


7 https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/colonoscopy

What Should You Expect After a Colonoscopy?

Scheduling Your Next Exam:

The size, characteristics, and the number of polyps will determine if you will be required to undergo a more frequent and comprehensive future screening regimen.


5 Years

Depending on your other general risk levels for colon cancer, if just a few small polyps are found (less than half an inch in diameter), you may only need to repeat the procedure in 5 years.

1-5 Years

Depending on your other general risk levels for colon cancer, if just a few small polyps are found (less than half an inch in diameter), you may only need to repeat the procedure in 5 years.

3 Months - 1 Year

If your physician removes one or more cancerous polyps during your colonoscopy, you could need a second exam in just three months to a year.

Our Physicians

Nick Sharma, M.D. Brian Feiock, M.D Brian Longendyke D.O.

Michael Weiss, M.D. Michael Bays, D.O. Srinivas Raju, M.D.

Julian Perez, M.D. Tal B. Hazan, M.D.Ramesh Koka, M.D.

Our OfficesFort Myers Location

4790 Barkley Circle, Building A Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Cape Coral Location

1303 SE 8th Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 458-0822

Bonita Springs Location

3501 Health Center Blvd. Suite 2130 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Barkley Surgicenter Location

63 Barkley Circle, Suite 104 Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

Call to make an appointment or schedule online at SouthWestFloridaGastro.com


Fort Myers Location 4790 Barkley Circle, Building A

Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Cape Coral Location 1303 SE 8th Terrace

Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 458-0822

Bonita Springs Location 3501 Health Center Blvd. Suite. 2130

Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: (239) 275-8882

Barkley Surgicenter Location 63 Barkley Circle, Suite 104 Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

(239) 275-8452

SouthWestFloridaGastro.com

se habla español

guide for your colonoscopy · you’ll be sedated for the colonoscopy, so you will need to arrange...

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