A colonoscopy is a procedure by which your doctor can look at and take biopsies of the inside of your colon. The instrument used is called a colonoscope and is inserted through the rectum and is long enough to view your entire colon using special light and lenses on the colonoscope. Air is inserted into your colon through the colonoscope in order to expand the colon and provide the best visualization for the doctor. While the doctor is looking at your colon, he will also take pictures of the inside lining of your colon and will be able to show you these pictures when your procedure is complete. If the doctor sees a polyp it will be removed at that time and sent for testing.

Consultation

You will be required to come to see us for a consultation visit prior to your colonoscopy. At that visit we will obtain your medical history, give you information, sign permits with you, answer questions, chose a date for your colonoscopy and give you instructions.

We will need you to bring a list of all of your medications (including all over the counter medicines and vitamins that you take) with you to the consultation appointment. You should also be able to give us an accurate detailed personal medical history. This information will provide us with the best opportunity to perform your procedure safely.

If you are coming for a screening colonoscopy there will be no charge for the consultation appointment.

Before and After

You will be given specific instructions on when to arrive at the hospital before your colonoscopy. Usually you will be asked to arrive approximately an hour before your procedure is scheduled.

The procedure itself may take 30 min to one hour.

You will be given time to wake back up and recover after your colonoscopy and the doctor will come and talk with before you go home. He will tell you what he saw and if he will be sending any tissue specimens to be tested.
 

Colonoscopy Instructions

You will be given special instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy. These instructions will tell you what you may and may not eat before your procedure. You will be required to drink a medication that will aide in the cleaning out of your colon. It is necessary that your colon is completely cleaned out so that the doctor is able to see the inside walls of your colon to check for polyps, irritation, bleeding, and any other abnormalities. The instructions you will be given may require a temporary/but safe change in some of your medications.

Click here to print the Colonoscopy Patient Preparation Instructions

Follow Up Visit

Dr. Messerly sees most of his patients for a follow up visit approximately one week after the colonoscopy. At this follow up you will be given the results of any testing that was performed on polyps or tissue and you will have a chance to ask any questions you may have.

There is no charge for a follow up visit.