A Procedure for Peace of Mind
Our expert team of doctors and nurses comes to work every day with the same goal in mind: Making sure you feel confident with your treatment and comfortable during your stay. And when scheduling a colonoscopy, know you won’t be here for long. It’s a simple outpatient procedure that usually takes just an hour.
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Before Your Colonoscopy
- For a proper examination, the colon must be clean.
- You’ll need to follow a strict liquid diet before the procedure.
- You may also be asked to drink a special fluid to flush your system as part of your colonoscopy preparation.
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During Your Colonoscopy
- All clothing/jewelry must be removed, and you’ll be given a gown.
- A relaxing sedative will make you drowsy or fully asleep.
- You’ll be asked to lay on your left side with your knees pulled up to your chest.
- An injection of air into the bowel will help your doctor get a clear picture.
- A water jet and/or suction device may be used for cleaning purposes.
- The doctor will take photos of your colon and typically remove any polyps (large polyps may be left until a follow-up procedure can be scheduled).
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After Your Colonoscopy
- You’ll be taken to a supervised recovery room, where you’ll stay until you’re feeling alert and your blood pressure and pulse are stable.
- The doctor may discuss your results with you or schedule a follow-up visit.
- When you’re ready, you’ll be released to the family member or friend you’ve designated to drive you home.
- You can eat anything you like after your colonoscopy, but may want to begin with a small, bland meal.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
- Please note that if you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or Lynch syndrome — or have a personal/family history of polyps — you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and should plan for a screening earlier than the typical age of 45
In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, your colonoscopy provides a visual of your overall gut health. It gives our colorectal specialists insight into ways to care for your unique gastrointestinal health needs. No matter whether you show signs of diverticulosis, hemorrhoids or IBD, we’ll be with you, offering compassionate care and creating a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs
#1 Hospital in Greater Orlando
AdventHealth Orlando has been recognized as the #1 hospital in Greater Orlando for 14 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
National Leader in Digestive Care
AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a nationally rated leader in gastroenterology and GI surgery.
Nationally Recognized for Patient Safety, Quality and Transparency
The Leapfrog Group has exclusively recognized AdventHealth with the Emerald Award for remarkable achievements and leadership in patient safety, quality and transparency by a health care system, including maintaining a culture of excellence throughout all levels of the organization.
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer
AdventHealth Orlando's rectal cancer program has received a three-year certification by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). As one of the first hospital systems in the nation to receive it, this accreditation was developed through a collaboration between the Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer (OSTRiCh) Consortium and the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.