Memorial Medical Center performs colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures for screening, diagnostic, and treatment purposes.
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| A camera attached to a flexible tube with a viewing lens is used to take video pictures. |
Colonoscopy is used to view the inside of your lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). It can help screen for colon cancer and can also help find the source of abdominal pain, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. The test is usually done in the hospital on an outpatient basis. During the exam, the doctor can remove a small tissue sample (a biopsy) for testing. Small growths, such as polyps, may also be removed during colonoscopy.
Getting Ready
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Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you take. Also tell your doctor about any health conditions you may have.
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Discuss the risks of the test with your doctor. These include bleeding and bowel puncture.
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Your rectum and colon must be empty for the test. So be sure to follow the diet and bowel prep instructions exactly. If you don’t, the test may need to be rescheduled.
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Ask your doctor whether you need to have a friend or family member prepared to drive you home after the test.
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| Colonoscopy provides an inside view of the entire colon. |
During the Test
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You are given sedating (relaxing) medication through an IV line. You may be drowsy or completely asleep.
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The procedure takes 30 minutes or longer.
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The doctor performs a digital rectal exam to check for anal and rectal problems. The rectum is lubricated and the scope inserted.
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If you are awake, you may have a feeling similar to needing to have a bowel movement. You may also feel pressure as air is pumped into the colon. It’s okay to pass gas during the procedure.
After the Test
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You may discuss the results with your doctor right away or at a future visit.
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Try to pass all the gas right after the test to help prevent bloating and cramping.
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After the test, you can go back to your normal eating and other activities.
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A gastroscopy is an exam of the esophagus (throat), stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small bowel). The doctor uses a special tube that bends (endoscope) and has a small light and camera on one end to look at the inside of your upper gastrointestinal tract.
Getting Ready
•Do not eat or drink anything six hours prior to the test.
• Take all heart, blood pressure, or breathing medicine
on the day of the test.
• If you are diabetic and on medicine and/or insulin, talk
with your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor if you are taking blood thinners.
During the Test
• An intravenous (IV) may be started in your arm.
• You will be asked to gargle or have your throat sprayed with a numbing mixture. This will result in you not being able to “gag” for a short time. This will make it easier on you when the doctor puts the endoscope in place.
• The procedure takes ten minutes or longer.
• The specialist puts the endoscope through your mouth and into your stomach and then the duodenum.
• Passing the endoscope should be painless and it will not change your breathing.
• The specialist will put air into your stomach through the scope. This slightly inflates your upper GI tract, and gives the doctor a clear view of the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Adding the air may make you feel some bloating or gas.
• The doctor may wish to take a tissue sample or remove a polyp during the test. This is painless and not a cause for worry.
After the Test
• Do not eat or drink anything for about an hour after the test.
• Expect to feel mild tummy cramping after a gastroscopy. If you feel a lot of belly pain, bleeding, or vomiting after you leave the hospital, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
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