Digestive Healthcare of Middle Tennessee

112 Airport Business Park Drive, Suite G, Shelbyville, TN 37160
Phone: 931.735.6036 Fax: 931.735.6293



FAQ's

Q. What is a colonoscopy?
A. The colon, which is shaped like a very large question mark with many twists and turns, begins in the right lower abdomen and ends in the rectum. A colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of visually examining the colon using a very narrow lighted, flexible fiber optic tube called a colonoscope. At the end of the tube is a miniature camera with a wide-angle lens that helps your doctor examine the lining of your digestive tract on a video monitor. More accurate than a barium enema X-ray and much simpler than exploratory abdominal surgery, colonoscopy is safe and generally well-tolerated by patients.
Q. How do I know if I need a colonoscopy?
A. Dr. Angles may recommend a colonoscopy if you have changes in weight or bowel habits, blood in your stool, an unusual abdominal pain, a history of colon polyps or a history of colon cancer in your family, or if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (colitis) or Crohn’s disease. Colonoscopies also can verify findings of polyps or tumors located with a barium enema exam, as well as evaluate intestinal inflammation, ulcerations and diverticulitis.
Q. What should I do before the procedure?
A. Always tell Dr. Angles if you are taking any medications – particularly those that may affect blood clotting — or if you have any special medical conditions, including diabetes, pregnancy, lung or heart conditions. Also let him know if you are allergic to any medications. If you have ever been told to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure, you may need to take antibiotics before a colonoscopy.
Q. Is any preparation necessary before the procedure?
A. Yes. Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. Dr. Angles will choose the preparation best suited for you to flush the colon. These preparations may include tablets or a liquid solution that you drink. In addition, you will be asked to drink only clear liquids for one or two days before the procedure and you will be given advice on taking regular medications during that time. A list of detailed instructions will be provided to you when your procedure is scheduled.
Q. What happens during the procedure?
A. Prior to the procedure an IV will be started and you will be brought to the endoscopy room. IV sedation will be given to make you very comfortable. During the procedure, you will lie on your left side on an examining table and the physician will insert the colonoscope into the rectum and gently move it through your colon.There are several tiny ports in the scope that help the physician during the procedure: one to blow air into your colon so that it inflates and makes visualization easier; one to remove polyps or take biopsies; and one to flush water over the tissue. After the procedure, you may experience a little discomfort, like the feeling of having gas, but that soon subsides. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and most people can resume their regular diet later that day.
Q. What happens after the examination?
A. Your physician will explain the findings to you. If a biopsy was performed or a polyp removed, you should get the results in 2-3 business days. Dr. Angles may give you other special instructions as well. Even though you should feel fine, you must have someone else drive you home after the procedure because of the sedatives. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions for up to 24 hours after your procedure.
If you’ve had prolonged effects from the sedative, you may need to make a follow-up appointment. If you have excessive or prolonged rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, fever or chills, call Dr. Angles right away.
Q. Are there any risks associated with having a colonoscopy?
A. Serious complications from this procedure are very rare. Of course, as with any medical procedure, they can occur. Complications might include excessive bleeding, especially if a large polyp was removed, or, in rare cases, a tear in the lining of the colon, which might require hospitalization or surgery. Again, these complications are rare.