Frequently Asked Questions

A colonoscopy is a procedure designed to search for any abnormalities in the lining of your colon. A flexible tube, or scope, is inserted into the anus and passed through your colon, allowing the doctor to see if there are any problems such as inflammation or a growth (polyp).

If necessary, the doctor will take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, by passing a small instrument through the scope. The sample is then submitted to a laboratory for analysis. The doctor can also remove polyps using this same painless technique.

You might feel some pressure, bloating, or cramping during your colonoscopy, but usually the procedure isn’t painful. Also, you’ll be given moderate sedation through an intravenous line (IV). The procedure takes just 25-30 minutes, although you should plan on at least two hours for registration, preparation, procedure, and recovery. Our main goal at Evergreen Endoscopy Center is to ensure your safety and comfort before, during, and after your procedure.

During the procedure, you’ll lie on your left side with your knees slightly bent and you’ll be given medication through an intravenous (IV) line. You’ll also be supplied with oxygen through a nasal tube and a device will be placed on your finger to monitor your oxygen levels and electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart.

The doctor may inflate your colon slightly with air in order to get a better view. If any abnormalities are found, your doctor may take a biopsy and send it to the laboratory for analysis. Once the procedure is complete, the scope will be gently removed, and you’ll be transferred to the recovery room.

Intravenous access is essential to the safe administration of the sedation for your procedure. Rest assured, our nurses are highly trained and extremely compassionate. If you let us know beforehand about your concerns, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We are mandated by the state of Connecticut to inquire about any advanced directives that may exist in your health plan and to offer information if you do not have one. We do not honor Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders at Evergreen Endoscopy Center because these are routinely suspended whenever you receive sedation or anesthesia. Besides, a colonoscopy is not being done as an end-of-life treatment, therefore a DNR order is not acknowledged.

We do ask our patients to bring a copy of any advanced directives so we may include them in your record. We keep these on file so that, if a rare emergency occurs, the hospital you are transferred to is notified and a copy of the documents is provided.

On the rare chance of an emergency, our nurses and physicians will stabilize and transfer the patient to the nearest hospital. All our doctors and nurses are highly trained and certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and we follow the same emergency procedures as a hospital.

To minimize the risk of an emergency occurring, we obtain a thorough and comprehensive health history prior to your procedure to ensure you meet criteria for an outpatient setting.

A licensed anesthesia provider typically administers and monitors Propofol, which is a short-acting anesthetic agent. However, in the case of an allergy or insurance coverage, a combination of a narcotic pain reliever and a benzodiazepine sedative, similar to valium, is used sometimes. Both kinds of sedation are extremely safe and effective for procedures of short duration.

No! Because you’ll receive medications to sedate you for your procedure that are short-acting but have effects that may linger for a few hours, it is unsafe for you to drive.

By the following day, the effects will completely wear off and you’ll be able to return to your normal activities, including driving. If you need a ride home, you may use a medical cab/taxi, but not a regular yellow taxi, since they do not take responsibility for you in the event of an emergency.

You may still feel the effects of your sedation – including lightheadedness, dizziness, sleepiness, and/or forgetfulness – for several hours after the procedure. You may think you feel fine but, for your safety, someone should stay with you as a precaution against potential injury.

Yes, you will be instructed about your routine medications and when to take them by one of our nurses. If you are currently being prescribed blood thinner medications, such as Coumadin, or if you are using insulin to control your blood sugar, we recommend you contact your physician and let him or her know you will be having a colonoscopy requiring a clear liquid diet and bowel prep.

As a result of your prep, you will experience diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Also, your body needs plenty of liquid to flush out your colon and allow a clean pathway for the scope.

Instead of water, try liquids that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade. Avoid alcoholic drinks as these can dehydrate you, as well as drinks with purple or red dye, as these can “stain” the colon and be mistaken for bleeding.

This shouldn’t be an issue, provided your prep is done properly. Sometimes, however, there can be some residue, which can be easily removed by “washing” the lining of your colon with sterile water and then suctioning the fluid away. All of this is done by the physician through the colonoscope.

The irritation caused by hemorrhoids may be relieved by using A&D ointment or Vaseline in between trips to the bathroom. Tucks pad are also useful in easing the irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

If your doctor takes a biopsy to send to a laboratory, results are usually available within five to seven days. If you haven’t received a phone call by one week, you may call your physician’s office to inquire about your results.

You can wear dentures to your colonoscopy, but you may be asked to remove them prior to your procedure. You should remove contact lenses and wear glasses instead to prevent drying of the eyes during the procedure. Likewise, you should remove all jewelry. In addition, you should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.

At Evergreen Endoscopy Center, you have options:

• If you are having symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain, you can schedule an office visit with a physician that comes to Evergreen Endoscopy Center (EEC). From there, you will be scheduled for your procedure at EEC, as long as you fit the criteria for an outpatient setting. Evergreen Endoscopy Center can provide you a list of physicians and their phone numbers so you may schedule an appointment.
• You can request an appointment through our website. If you are generally healthy and do not have cardiac or pulmonary issues, this option may work for you. After you submit your information, our nurse will review it. If approved, our Open Access Coordinator will contact you to schedule your appointment. If you do not qualify for the Open Access Program, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our physicians prior to scheduling your procedure.