Informational posts intended to provide relevant gastroenterology (GI) facts for the general reader.
There are a few general tips gastroenterologists and their endoscopy centers typically provide to their patients for activities they can or cannot do the same day after undergoing a colonoscopy. This is a very brief overview of some of the more frequently asked questions relating to this topic. Following your colonoscopy, your family member or …
Yes, it is OK to shower before your procedure. Personal hygiene before or after colonoscopy is an individual choice. Some patients ask this question in the pre-procedure phase. From the gastrointestinal/medical standpoint, there is no requirement to shower or bathe the day prior to a screening colonoscopy. Once again, this is a personal choice. If …
Yes, you may go to work the day after an outpatient colonoscopy. In my practice, I generally advise patients return to work, drive, or complete any important paperwork after recovering at home and experiencing a restful sleep. Remember, preparing for a colonoscopy requires clearing out the colon, which typically means you will experience some level …
A typical screening colonoscopy for a generally healthy adult will take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Since the entire colonoscopy (from start to finish) is performed with sedation from the anesthesia physician or CRNA/CAA, this means you will be asleep for 15 to 45 minutes. A colonoscopy may take more time if there are …
Many patients ask this question during initial consultation in the office. It’s a very relevant question, after all! The vast majority of people prefer they undergo some level of anesthesia during the colonoscopy. It is a rare request to be awake during colonoscopy. With this in mind, the answer is: no, you are not awake …
