Pee Dee Gastroenterology Associates, P.A.

Q. When do I need a colonoscopy?

    A. Colonoscopy is primary method  recommended by the American Cancer Society for colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the USA.  Colonoscopy is now recommended starting at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter. Colonoscopy is also indicated for rectal bleeding,  diarrhea,  and unexplained anemia.  See this link for a good explanation.  

Q. What is a colonoscopy?

    A. Click on colonoscopy.

Q. When is my next colonoscopy due?

   A.  If you have had a colonoscopy by one of our physicians  previously, you should receive a reminder from our office one month before it is due.  If you haven't heard from us , call our office (best time is early in day) and ask to speak to your physician's medical assistant or nurse or leave voice mail (leave full name and number).  The patient is responsible for keeping up with the future date of a follow-up  colonoscopy.  

Q. I started the prep (Colyte, Golytely, or Nu-lytely) but I am getting nauseated or are vomiting. What should I do?

   A. Try taking the prep more slowly or in smaller amounts. Walking and activities may decrease nausea. Refrigeration of the prep makes it  taste better,  but getting it too cold can give you chills (warm it up slightly if this occurs).  If you have a history of nausea with preps in the past,  a tablet of Reglan 10mg may help prevent this (ask your physician when being scheduled). Newer preparations involving taking many pills followed with water (Viscol) are available and can be requested.  

Q. Should I use the gallon jug (Colyte, Golytely, or NuLytely) prep or the Fleets phosphasoda ?

   A. You should use the one recommended by your physician, but not both.

Q. I lost my instructions for the prep. How can I get a copy?

   A. To get a copy of our general instructions, click here. To find out your specific instructions as to where and when, call our office.

Q. What is the difference between sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy?

   A. Sigmoidoscopy (sometimes called Proctoscopy) is a quick office procedure without sedation and examines only the bottom 20 to 30% of your colon. You may return to work afterward.  It is now seldom used as a screening test.    Colonoscopy , which is much more thorough, examines your entire colon, and usually requires conscious sedation ("Twilight sleep") and monitoring , requires you to spend about 2-3 hours at the hospital, a driver to take you home, and a day off from work.  

    A. EGD is short for esophagogastoduodenoscopy (see why we call it EGD!) which means looking with a lighted tube through the mouth into the stomach, first part of the intestine, and swallowing tube. Conscious sedation ("Twilight sleep") is used , so the patient does not  remember much about the procedure.  This procedure is used when looking for a cause of abdominal pain, swallowing difficulties, or gastrointestinal bleeding. EGD can be  done separately or  with colonoscopy in the same session (but with a different tube!). Click here for a sample copy of EGD instructions.

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