Liberty Endoscopy Center

What Is a Colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a procedure which enables the direct visualization of the lining of your colon (large intestine). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has its own lens and light source, is inserted into the anus and slowly advanced from the rectum to the cecum (the anatomic beginning of the colon). Lesions such as polyps and colon cancer, and inflammation can be found during a colonoscopy. Biopsies can be obtained, and most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. What Preparation Is Required? The preparation involves going on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to the procedure. In addition, a laxative preparation is taken the night before and again approximately five hours prior to the procedure. Recent research has shown that split dosing leads to a better visualization of the colon. The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. More specific instructions will be given to you when you schedule a colonoscopy. Please refer to our Procedure Instructions section in our website for more details. Can I Take My Current Medications? Most medications can be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. Inform us about medications you’re taking, particularly aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin or iron products. What Happens During Colonoscopy? In most cases, a colonoscopy is very well-tolerated and the vast majority of patients are comfortable and pain-free after the procedure. You will be given a sedative by our anesthesiologist who will be present to monitor your vital signs during the examination. You will lie on your side or back during the procedure. The procedure itself usually lasts approximately 20 minutes, although you should plan on one to two hours for waiting, preparation, and recovery. In some cases, the colonoscopy may not be completed due to a variation in the person’s colon anatomy and/or concern for a higher risk of a perforation. In such cases, an alternative test such as a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) may be recommended to visualize the portions of the colon which were not visualized during the colonoscopy. What If the Colonoscopy Shows Something Abnormal? If an area needs further evaluation, a biopsy may be obtained. If polyps are found during colonoscopy, they will most likely be removed during the examination. What Are Polyps and Why Are They Removed? Polyps are abnormal growths in the colon lining that are usually benign (noncancerous). They vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. Because cancer begins in polyps, removing them is an important means of preventing colorectal cancer. How Are Polyps Removed? Tiny polyps may be destroyed by fulguration (burning) or by removing them with wire loops called snares or with biopsy instruments. A technique called “snare polypectomy” is used to remove larger polyps. This technique involves passing a wire loop through the colonoscope and removing the polyp from the intestinal wall using an electrical current. You should feel no pain during the polypectomy. What Happens after a Colonoscopy? The results of the examination will be discussed with you. If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, the material is sent to a pathology lab. You will be contacted by your gastroenterologist to review these results (typically within two weeks). You will not be allowed to drive for 12 hours. You will need to arrange for someone to escort you home from our office. Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the rest of the day. You may have some cramping or bloating because of air that is introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas. You should be able to eat after the examination. What Are the Possible Complications of Colonoscopy? In general, colonoscopy is a very safe procedure. However, while uncommon, possible complications include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, perforation or tear that could require surgery, missing a polyp or cancer, or a reaction to sedation. Although complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, it’s important to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your physician immediately if you notice severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or rectal bleeding. For more information about Liberty Endoscopy Center please call 646.215.2244, or book an online appointment for a consultation at any time.

What Is Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure which enables the direct visualization of the lining of the rectum and a portion of the colon (large intestine). A thin flexible tube is inserted into the anus and slowly advanced to the lower part of the colon. What Preparation Is Required? In general, preparation consists of one or two fleet enemas prior to the procedure. In some circumstances, you may be advised to forego any special preparation. Should I Continue My Current Medications? Most medications can be continued as usual. Inform us about all medications that you are taking, particularly aspirin products or anticoagulants (blood thinners), as well as any allergies you have to medications. What Can I Expect during Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is usually well-tolerated. You will lie on your left side during the examination and will have the option to be awake or sedated. You might experience a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure but these are temporary symptoms which will typically resolve within minutes. What If the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Finds Something Abnormal? If there is an abnormal area in the colon, a biopsy may be taken for further analysis. If a polyp if found, a biopsy is usually taken. A colonoscopy (a complete examination of the colon) is usually then recommended to remove the polyp and to search for additional polyps that may be present in areas of the colon that were not visualized by the sigmoidoscopy. What Happens after a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? The results will be discussed with you when the procedure is completed. You might feel bloating or some mild cramping because of the air that was passed into the colon during the examination. This will disappear quickly when you pass gas. You should be able to eat and resume your normal activities after leaving our center, assuming you did not receive any sedative medication. What Are Possible Complications of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy are considered very safe. Complications are rare, but it’s important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your physician immediately if you notice severe abdominal pain, fevers, and chills, or rectal bleeding. For more information about Liberty Endoscopy Center please call 646.215.2244, or book an online appointment for a consultation at any time.

What Is Upper Endoscopy? Upper endoscopy is a procedure which enables the direct visualization of the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, is passed through the mouth and advanced to the beginning of the small intestine Why Is Upper Endoscopy Done? Upper endoscopy assists the doctor in evaluating symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It’s an excellent test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is more accurate than X-ray films for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. A biopsy (small tissue samples) is often obtained during an upper endoscopy. A biopsy can distinguish between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissues, can detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium associated with most ulcers) and can detect Barrett’s esophagus (a potential precursor to esophageal cancer). Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding and to dilate strictures (narrowed areas). How Should I Prepare for the Procedure? An empty stomach is essential for an accurate and safe examination, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately eight hours before the examination. What Can I Expect during Upper Endoscopy? Your anesthesiologist will administer a short acting intravenous sedative and will be present to monitor your vital signs during the procedure. You will not experience any sensation of gagging or choking. A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth to keep your mouth open and to prevent injury. You will lie on your left side, and the endoscope will be passed through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. The examination typically lasts 10 minutes. What Happens after Upper Endoscopy? You will be monitored until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat might be a little sore, and you might feel bloated because of air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be given liquid and a snack before leaving our center. You will be able to eat after your procedure unless you are instructed otherwise. The results of your endoscopy will be discussed with you before you leave. Any biopsy results will be discussed with you by your treating gastroenterologist once they are received (typically within two weeks). You will not be allowed to drive for 12 hours. You will need to arrange for someone to accompany you home because the sedatives might affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day. What Are the Possible Complications of Upper Endoscopy? Although complications are rare, bleeding can occur at a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. If this occurs, it’s usually minimal and rarely requires follow-up. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedative used and a perforation (a tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining). It is important to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing or increasing throat, chest or abdominal pain, please contact your physician immediately. For more information about Liberty Endoscopy Center please call 646.215.2244, or book an online appointment for a consultation at any time.