Colonoscopy in St. Louis, MO

You will receive instructions from your Specialists in Gastroenterology provider about the essential bowel preparation for your procedure. Most individuals are asked to drink only clear fluids the whole 24 hours prior to the procedure. There are many different options for laxatives to fully empty out the colon. It is crucial to observe the directions given to you by your provider. There might also be extra instructions regarding your prescriptions. In most situations, your medications will be continued as normal. Be that as it may, in certain circumstances, like in people on blood thinners (i.e., warfarin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, unique orders may be specified. Patients will be instructed not to take anything by mouth following midnight excluding prescriptions.

You may be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy office an hour or an hour and a half before your test. This allows time to fill out documentation and prepare for the colonoscopy. You will be asked to change into a medical robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your vein so that medication can be given. You will be attached to machines that will permit the provider and staff to check your heartbeat, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen concentration during and after the colonoscopy.

When you reach the procedure room, you will be instructed to position yourself on your left side on the gurney. The IV sedation will be started. Tiny amounts are given to help ensure your safety and that the proper amount is given. Once a satisfactory amount of relaxation is achieved, the specialist will perform a rectal checkup. The colonoscope will then be softly introduced through the anus. The scope will be gingerly advanced across the colon to where the small intestine and colon join. A small quantity of air is fed through the scope and into the colon to allow the provider to assess the colon's lining. Any liquid remaining in the colon after the preparation can be cleaned and suctioned out by way of the scope.

Depending on the outcome of the exam, a few things could be done during the test, including biopsies, the withdrawal of tumors, and the repression of bleeding. At the end of the test, as much of the oxygen and leftover liquid as feasible is withdrawn out of the colon with the scope. Based on the findings, the exam takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Once the procedure is finished, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be monitored while the IV drug starts to disappear. The amount of medication used for the duration of the test and your specific reaction to the medication will dictate how swiftly you will awaken, though most people are awake enough to be discharged within 45 – 60 minutes.

You will be advised NOT to drive for the remainder of the day after your colonoscopy with our St. Louis, MO team. As a result, you will need to have someone drive you home. You will also be directed not to go to work, sign important documents, or perform demanding actions for the remainder of the afternoon. Many people can eat and drink normally following their dismissal from the endoscopy unit; however, personalized orders about physical activity, eating, and medicines will be provided before you are discharged.