Colonoscopy screening is one of the most effective ways to screen for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It’s typically recommended for people 50 years and older or to help evaluate or detect:

• unexplained changes in bowel habits
• abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and weight loss
• polyps (common in adults)

 

When you arrive at YRMC for your colonoscopy appointment, you receive a mild sedative to relax you and relieve potential discomfort. Your physician may order anesthesia for an even deeper level of sedation. During the exam, you lie on your left side. The doctor gently inserts the thin, flexible tube with a light and camera into the body and guides it to the colon.

Carbon dioxide gas—introduced through the scope—gives the physician a clear view of the large bowel and small intestine. Carbon dioxide gas is easily absorbed and provides for a comfortable recovery. The camera transmits a video image to a computer screen, allowing the physician to carefully examine the intestinal lining. The physician also removes any polyps and may take tissue samples for further testing during the colonoscopy.

 

These are benign growths on the lining of the bowel that can vary from less than ¼-inch to several inches in diameter. Some types of polyps can become cancerous, so physicians remove all polyps found during colonoscopy.

 

Before your scheduled colonoscopy, your physician will give you instructions about diet and if you should temporarily stop any regular medications. Your doctor also will recommend a laxative solution to cleanse your colon the day before the colonoscopy.

 

YRMC’s experienced Endoscopy Services team is dedicated to your comfort. A light sedative or anesthesia that is given before colonoscopy helps keep people relaxed. Most people who have undergone colonoscopy often sleep through the procedure say there is very little, if any, discomfort.

 

During endoscopy, a physician uses a thin scope with a light and camera to examine the upper digestive system. This includes the:

• esophagus (the tube that connects the throat and the stomach)
• stomach
• duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine)

The endoscope—which is inserted through the throat—also allows the physician to collect a tissue sample (biopsy) for further testing.

 

You physician may recommend an endoscopy to diagnose digestive disorders, such as:

• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)—When stomach acid or bile flows back (refluxes), irritating the lining of the esophagus.
• Barrett’s esophagus—When the cells that line the lower esophagus become irritated after ongoing contact with stomach acid.
• Peptic ulcer disease—This is a break in the protective lining of the stomach (called a gastric ulcer) or duodenum (called a duodenal ulcer) caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori.

Endoscopy is also used to:

• insert or replace a gastrostomy feeding tube
• treat persistent hemorrhoids

A doctor also may recommend a bronchoscopy—similar to an endoscopy—to diagnose or biopsy lung nodules. These are small masses of tissue on the lungs, most of which are non-cancerous. Bronchoscopy also can confirm lung diseases (pneumonia, tuberculosis).

During an endoscopy, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera (endoscope) down your throat. The endoscope allows the physician to examine your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Your doctor may also collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) for more testing.

 

YRMC’s experienced Endoscopy Services team is dedicated to your comfort. Patients receive a light sedative or anesthesia to relax them before the endoscopy.

 

The procedure takes 10 to 30 minutes. After, you’ll spend a short time (usually 20-40 minutes) in YRMC’s recovery area. Nursing staff will instruct you on when you can resume eating, which is usually immediately following the procedure. For several days after the endoscopy, your throat may be scratchy.

 

A physician’s order is needed for all Endoscopy Services procedures. Following an appointment with a gastroenterologist or pulmonologist, an appointment will be scheduled for you with YRMC Endoscopy Services.

 

For questions about your Endoscopy Services procedure, call (928) 771-5172.

 

Bring your insurance information and other identification to the hospital. You may want to read the forms you’ll be asked to review and sign during registration.

 

A YRMC team member will direct your family to a nearby waiting area. Visit YRMC’s Cafeteria for meals, snacks and beverages. You also may want to stop by the YRMC Gift Shop.