During Your Endoscopic Procedure
How long will my endoscopic procedure take?
If you are scheduled for an "endoscopic procedure," plan to be in our center for about two hours. Procedures such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy require sedation to make them safe and comfortable. Even though the test itself takes about 30 minutes, you will need extra time for registration, preoperative check-in, the test itself, and postoperative recovery. Currently, our patients' average stay is about two hours.
Will my endoscopic procedure be painful?
No. With the modern anesthetic sedatives, your examination should be comfortable.
Does a colonoscopy show if I have colon cancer?
Yes. In fact, colonoscopy is considered to be the most accurate way to determine the health of your colon. This includes checking for cancer, polyps, colitis, diverticulosis, and other less common lower digestive problems.
What should I expect during my endoscopic procedure?
After your pre-operative assessment, you will be taken to a private patient room. The licensed nurse will place on you equipment that monitors your heartbeat and blood pressure and gives you oxygen. After you have spoken with the physician, you will then be asked to roll onto your left side. The doctor will then administer the sedative into your intravenous line. The rest of the procedure is done while you are in a state called "conscious sedation." This is a pleasant semiconscious state in which you should be comfortable and be unaware of the actual procedure itself. The majority of patients sleep through the entire procedure.
I'm afraid that I will say things that I shouldn't while sedated.
This is a normal and common fear. Most individuals are afraid of losing control, giving away their secrets, or saying something embarrassing while they are asleep. While in a state of conscious sedation, it is very unusual for patients to speak.
If the doctor finds a polyp during my procedure, will he remove it?
In most cases, yes. All of our doctors are trained in the latest endoscopic techniques. Most polyps can be removed at the time of procedure.