Surgical Center

Endoscopy is the term used to describe a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used as a tool for diagnosis of disease, biopsies and retrieval of foreign objects. By using a special instrument (referred to as a scope) equipped with a microscopic camera, an endoscopy allows the surgeon to get a clear view inside of an organ – such as the colon or esophagus.

CCMH utilizes the latest high-definition endoscope technology to help diagnose disease in the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An endoscopic procedure of the upper GI tract is also known as EGD, while procedures involving the lower GI tract are known as colonoscopies.

Compared to conventional systems, CCMH’s high-definition endoscopy combined with Narrow Band Imaging™ provides doctors with sharper images and better contrast, which in turn may help them to better observe lesions.

Before your scheduled endoscopy procedure, a surgical nurse from CCMH will call you to give you detailed instructions on how to prepare and what you should expect.

• You should not take any aspirin or blood thinners for 3 days prior to the procedure.
• An upper GI endoscopy usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
• If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them.
  You will also be given pain medication and a minor sedative for additional comfort.
• Your throat may be sprayed with a local anesthetic to help numb the area.
• When the scope is inserted, you may feel pressure inside your throat.
• You will be able to breathe on your own throughout the procedure. It’s recommended that you take slow, deep breaths through your nose.
• When the exam is completed, the scope will slowly be removed from your body.
• After the procedure, you will spend an appropriate amount of time in the recovery room area.
• You will need to have someone else drive you home.
• You may experience a sore throat and some bloating or cramping in your stomach.
• You can expect to return to normal activities the next day.
• You can expect to have ongoing excellent care provided to you before, during and after the procedure from your CCMH surgeon and staff.

A colonoscopy is an effective examination used to look inside the entire colon and rectum. The exam is used for both diagnostic (determining the cause of colorectal problems) and screening (cancer prevention) purposes.

Before your scheduled colonoscopy, a surgical nurse from CCMH will call you to give you detailed instruction on how to prepare for your colonoscopy.

• Because your colon needs to be empty, you will be given a laxative preparation ordered by your physician.
• You will be given pain medication and a sedative prior to the exam.
• You will lie on your left side during the exam.
• The colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
• If polyps or lesions are found, the physician will use devices in the scope to remove either some or all of the area for biopsy.
• When the procedure is complete, you will stay in the recovery area for an appropriate amount of time before being released.
• You will need someone else to drive you home.
• You can expect to resume normal activities the day after your colonoscopy.
• You can expect to have ongoing excellent care provided to you before, during and after the procedure from your CCMH surgeon and staff.

If you are aged 50 or older, and have not had a colonoscopy, now is the time to schedule one. Do not put off this important preventive screening exam. A colonoscopy is one of the best tools available to help detect and prevent colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. The risk of developing colon cancer increases for anyone aged 50 or more. In fact, 90% of all cancers affect people aged 50 and over. Other colon cancer risk factors include:

• Family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps
• Crohns/ulcerative colitis
• Diet high in red meats (beef, liver, lamb)
• Obesity/lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Alcohol use greater than 2 drinks a day