Gastroenterological Procedures
Dr Alex Simring can answer any questions you have about the procedure. Here are the most common questions people ask.
1. What is endoscopy?
Endoscopy or gastroscopy is an examination of the upper digestive tract. A small camera is passed through the mouth allowing examination of the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
2. What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an examination of the lower digestive tract. A small camera is passed through the back passage (anus) into the large intestine (colon).
3. What do I need to do to prepare for the procedure?
You will be given a detailed instruction sheet prior to the procedure. You should contact our centre if you have any questions regarding the preparation.
4. Will I be asleep for the procedure?
Yes. You will not experience any discomfort during the procedure any will generally be asleep for around 30 minutes.
5. What are the risks for the procedure?
Risks include anaesthetic, injury to the intestine (“hole” in the bowel), bleeding and infection and is around 1:1000. The risk may increase if a growth (polyp) needs to be removed from the intestine (polypectomy). Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to detect and remove colon polyps, however there is a chance that colon polyps may not be detected during colonoscopy.
6. How is the bowel prepared for colonoscopy?
Dr Simring recommends carefully reading the instruction sheet. The most important part of the instruction sheet explains how to safely and effectively clear the bowel of all waste material to allow thorough examination of the lining of the bowel.
BOWEL PREPARATION
The bowel needs to be cleared of all waste material before the procedure. The following are the most important points to remember to safely and effectively clear the colon.
1. Eat a light breakfast and then have a clear fluid only diet for the rest of the day. It is important to drink 1-2 cups/hour of clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
2. 1st PICOPREP at 3pm
2nd PICOPREP AT 5pm
3rd PICOPREP AT 7pm
This is a strong laxative which is purchased from the chemist. It will cause diarrhoea in 1-2 hours which allows the bowel to be cleaned.
It is important to keep on drinking plenty of clear fluids all day, particularly when you are having the PICOPREP. It is recommended to drink fluids such as gastrolyte and sports rehydration drinks.
3. FAST FROM MIDNIGHT. No more food or water from midnight. Medications can be taken at 6am in the morning with a sip of water.
4. MEDICATIONS: Blood thinner such as Aspirin (Cartia, Astrix) can be continued. Other blood thinner such as Warfarin or Plavix (Clopidogrel, Iscover) should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure. Diabetic medications such as Insulin should also be discussed with your doctor before the procedure. Dr Simring would be happy to discuss any questions regarding your medications.
Dr Simring will discuss the results after you have recovered from the procedure and will send a copy of all of the results to your GP. Follow up with your GP is generally recommended one week after the procedure to discuss all of the test results.
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