Colonoscopy in Florida

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A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam where a lengthy, skinny, pliable tube or “scope” is placed into the rectum and advanced through the whole colon (large intestine). The scope has a lamp and a camera on the tip of it, which permits the doctor to investigate the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy could be performed to diagnose the reason for gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loose stool, bloody stool, gut pain, or unusual x-ray results.

A colonoscopy might also be carried out on an asymptomatic patient at age 45 or sooner contingent on the person's history, to test for colon cancer and polyps. As leading experts in gut wellness, the board-certified GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida routinely carry out colonoscopy tests. Please call us to learn more about colonoscopies in Florida.

Colonoscopies are the most reliable protection against the development of colon cancer, making it highly important that you have this colon cancer screening as recommended by your GI doctor. Regular colonoscopies provide a number of benefits for your gastrointestinal and general health. Some of the advantages of a colonoscopy exam include:

  • Serves as the leading exam for detecting colon and/or rectal cancer
  • Discovers initial signs of colon and rectal cancer
  • Identifies and removes precancerous growths
  • Can be a life-saving exam
  • Also detects diverticulosis, IBD, and other gastrointestinal conditions

Thanks to advanced technology, colonoscopies are executed faster, more precisely, and more comfortably than ever before.

You will get instructions from your doctor at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida regarding the essential bowel preparation instructions for your test. Before the exam, the majority of patients consume only clear liquids for the entire 24 hours before the test. There are several separate alternatives for laxatives to fully empty out the colon. It is extremely important to follow the instructions provided to you by your specialist. Extra directions regarding certain prescriptions you take may also be given to you. In the majority of instances, your drugs will be continued as routine. However, in certain circumstances, specifically in patients on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, specific orders may be specified. You should not consume anything after midnight, except for medications.

You may be asked to come to the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours before your exam. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and get ready for the colonoscopy. When getting prepped for the procedure you will change into a medical robe, have an intravenous (IV) catheter started in your vein so that sedation can be given, and you will be attached to equipment that allows the specialist and support team to control your pulse, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and oxygen level during and following the colonoscopy.

Once in the colonoscopy room, you will be instructed to lie on your left side, and the IV sedation will be started. Once the sedation takes effect, the physician will do a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be softly introduced through the anus. The scope will be carefully fed through the colon to where the small intestine and colon meet. A tiny amount of air is pumped using the scope and within the colon to allow the physician to study the interior of the colon. Any fluid leftover in the intestine following the preparation can be washed and suctioned out through the scope.
Depending on the results of the colonoscopy, multiple things could be accomplished at the moment of the procedure. This could include biopsies, the removal of tumors, and the repression of bleeding. At the conclusion of the test, as much of the air and leftover fluid as possible is withdrawn out of the colon with the scope. Based on the results, the test takes about 15 – 30 minutes.

Once the exam is done, you will be taken to the aftercare room to be supervised while the IV drug starts to leave your system. The amount of sedation utilized during the procedure and your personal response to the sedation will dictate how quickly you will regain consciousness, though most people are conscious enough for discharge within 45 – 60 minutes.

You will not be permitted to drive for the rest of the afternoon following your colonoscopy with our Florida team. You should arrange to have a close friend or family member take you home. You would also be ordered not to work, sign important documents, or undergo physical actions for the remainder of the day. The majority of people are able to eat and drink as normal following their release from the endoscopy office; however, personalized instructions concerning physical activity, eating, and medicines will be offered prior to discharge.

After the test, the GI physician and/or support staff at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida will inspect the findings of the test with you. Most patients will not recall what they are informed after the procedure due to the effects of the medication. It is recommended, if practical, to bring someone with you to whom the outcome can also be addressed. You might also return home with a written account. You may be told of any biopsy reports generally during one week.

To an extent, the other options for the test will rely on the grounds for requiring the colonoscopy in the first place. In many cases, a colonoscopy is the most ideal approach to appraise and treat deformities in the colon. Though, there are other x-rays that can measure the colon, like a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, though, solely diagnostic tests. Addressing abnormalities will demand a colonoscopy or surgery.

In general, a colonoscopy is an extremely safe exam. Overall, complexities happen in less than one percent of clients. However, if a complication arises, it may involve hospitalization and an operation. Prior to the procedure, a document will be discussed with the patient. Should any issues or concerns appear, these can be reviewed with your GI doctor before commencing the procedure.

Drug responses connected with sedation can arise. These can include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, consequences on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and discomfort of the vein employed to deliver the medication. Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the withdrawal of polyps. Again, substantial bleeding, which might require a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is uncommon. However, bleeding can happen at the time of the test or up to two weeks following the exam if a growth is extracted.

Penetration or puncture of the colon can transpire. This might be recognized during the procedure, or it may not be apparent until later in the afternoon. In most circumstances, a penetration will necessitate an operation and hospitalization. This is a rare complication, even when growths are extracted.

It is very important that you contact your doctor’s clinic quickly if symptoms occur following the test, like worsening abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or fever.

Just as with most other tests, a colonoscopy is not foolproof. There is a tiny, acknowledged risk that abnormalities, including tumors and cancers, can be overlooked at the time of the test. It is crucial to continue to follow up with your doctor at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida as advised and notify them of any new or lasting symptoms.

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By what age should I have a colonoscopy screening?

It is recommended that people who are at average risk of getting colon cancer begin colon cancer screenings when they turn 45 years old. However, if your risks of colon cancer are higher or you are showing signs or symptoms of colon cancer, your GI doctor could recommend having a colonoscopy before that age.

How often should you schedule colon cancer screenings?

GI doctors advise receiving a colon cancer screening every decade for patients who have ordinary risk, are in good health, and have colonoscopy results that are within normal limits. After your colonoscopy, your GI doctor will discuss with you how many years apart you should request colon cancer screenings in the future.

Will my colonoscopy be an uncomfortable exam?

Sedation will be given to you ahead of your colon exam to maximize your comfort and relaxation throughout the process. Depending on the type of sedation, many patients experience a very mellow state or even become drowsy, and most have little to no memory of the procedure. Feel free to talk with your gastroenterologist about what you should expect during your consultation.

What is the average recovery time for a colonoscopy?

On average, it takes about 24 hours to recover following a colonoscopy, and many individuals are well enough to resume normal activities the subsequent day. When polyps are extracted, the recovery time will likely take longer. It is common to experience some gastric irritation following a colon cancer screening, such as bloating and cramping. Our Gastroenterology Associates of Florida doctors will give you additional information on what you can anticipate during your recovery.

A colonoscopy is believed to be the “gold standard” of all screening systems for colorectal cancer. Unlike other screening methods, a colonoscopy allows for the study of the full colon. It also enables the discovery of tumors and their extraction in just one test. For many different testing systems, the ability to remove polyps is not available, and if the procedure returns positive for tumors, you will probably need a colonoscopy. You can book a colonoscopy in Florida by contacting our office. A standard colonoscopy just may save your health. If you would like more regarding how to get a colonoscopy, contact Gastroenterology Associates of Florida without delay.

This is my first time seeing this doctor and I ask him to send over a prescription to my pharmacy for a refill and he didn’t send it over but he sent over the prescription for me to take before my Colonoscopy procedure I don’t think that’s nice. Am not pleased at all.

L.S. Google

Expedited and professional pre colonoscopy visit. Thank you!

W.M. Google

What can I say I'm going to get a colonoscopy that being said Doctor will take was great

M.F. Google

I have had my share of healthy visits (thank GOD) - This was one of them - A routine colonoscopy - I was referred here to this Doctor and WOW - The office staff and the Doctor were nothing short of the best!!! He takes time to give you time - and even a follow up phone call that was unexpected. I highly recommend this practice and Atlantis Outpatient Surgery Center

R.C. Google

Dr. Simon and his staff they performed very nice. I recommended anybody doing Colonoscopy with them it was very comfortable.

R.A. Google

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