Colonoscopy in Utah

You will be provided with instructions from your Utah Gastroenterology provider regarding how to prepare your bowels for your procedure. Most patients are on a diet of only clear liquids for an entire 24 hours prior to the test. There are various distinct alternatives for laxatives to entirely empty out the colon. It is really vital to obey the instructions given to you by your physician. There will also be extra orders about your prescriptions. In the majority of cases, your drugs will be continued as routine. However, in particular instances, particularly in clients on blood thinners (i.e., Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, unique orders may be provided. Persons will be instructed not to consume anything after midnight except for prescriptions.

You will be directed to appear at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the colonoscopy. You will be asked to wear a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your vein so that medication can be given. You will be hooked up to equipment that will enable the physician and support team to watch your heart rate, arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, breath, and oxygen level during and following the colonoscopy.

When you reach the procedure room, you will be directed to lie on your left side on the bed. The IV medication will be administered. Minuscule quantities are started to help ensure your safety and deliver merely the amount you require personally. Once an acceptable amount of calm is achieved, the specialist will perform a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be delicately inserted into the rectum. The scope will be cautiously advanced across the colon to where the small bowel and colon join. A little quantity of air is fed into the colon by way of the scope to help the doctor to view the lining of the colon. Any liquid remaining in the bowel after the preparation can be cleaned and suctioned out through the scope.

Depending on the results of the colonoscopy, a few things may be done at the time of the procedure — for instance, biopsies, the removal of polyps, and the management of bleeding. At the end of the colonoscopy, as much of the air and remaining water as possible is suctioned out of the colon by way of the scope. Based on the findings, the test takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Once the colonoscopy is finished, you will be taken to the aftercare room to be monitored while the sedation begins to dissipate. The quantity of medication applied during the exam and your individual reaction to the sedation will dictate how swiftly you will awaken, though the majority of patients are conscious enough for discharge within 45 – 60 minutes.

You should not attempt to drive for the remainder of the afternoon after your colonoscopy with our Utah staff. as a result, you will need to obtain a ride back to your house. You will also be ordered not to work, sign legal documents, or undergo strenuous activities for the remainder of the afternoon. Many patients are able to eat and drink as usual following their release from the endoscopy unit, although personalized instructions with regard to movement, eating, and medications will be given prior to dismissal.