Colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA

After your colonoscopy, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be closely monitored as the sedation begins to wear off. The amount of sedation used during the procedure and your individual response to it will determine how quickly you regain full alertness. Most patients are sufficiently awake for discharge within 45 to 60 minutes. It is important to note that you will not be allowed to drive for the remainder of the day, so you must arrange for someone to take you home. Additionally, you should avoid working, signing important documents, or engaging in any strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Most patients can resume eating and drinking normally after leaving the endoscopy unit, but you will receive specific post-procedure instructions regarding activity, diet, and medications.

After the procedure, the doctor or a nurse will discuss the findings with you. However, due to the effects of the sedation, most patients do not remember this conversation well. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a friend or family member with you who can also hear the results. You will also be given a typed report to take home. If any biopsies were taken during the colonoscopy, you will typically receive those results within a week.

Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?

Alternatives depend on the reason for the colonoscopy. While a colonoscopy is the best method for evaluating and treating colon abnormalities and the only preventive measure for colorectal cancer, other diagnostic exams include barium enemas and virtual CT scans. However, these alternatives do not allow for the treatment of abnormalities, which would still require a colonoscopy or surgery.

Commonly, a colonoscopy is a harmless procedure. Usually, difficulties occur in fewer than 1% of persons. Additionally, most problems that arise are not fatal. Be that as it may, if a complication occurs, it may involve hospitalization and an operation. Before the exam, the nursing team will review a consent form with you so you understand the unlikely complications. If any issues or problems arise, these can be discussed with your physician before beginning the procedure.

Prescription reactions connected with IV medication can occur. These can include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, issues breathing, effects on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to deliver the IV drug.

Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the extraction of growths. Once again, substantial bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is uncommon. Keep in mind, though, that bleeding may occur during the procedure or up to two weeks after the test if a tumor is removed.

Penetration or puncture of the intestine can occur, although it is unlikely. This might be identified during the procedure, or it may not be noticed until later. In many circumstances, a puncture will require an operation and hospitalization. This is a rare problem, even when tumors are removed.

It is extremely crucial that you contact us without delay if symptoms occur after the exam, such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.

Just as with most other tests, a colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA is not foolproof. There is a tiny, accepted risk that irregularities, like polyps and cancers, can be missed during the test. It is crucial to maintain appointments with your specialist at Gastroenterology Associates as instructed, and inform them of any new or persistent symptoms.