Procedures

Gastrointestinal endoscopy  procedures are  essential tools that help doctors identify and treat a variety of digestive conditions . These are minimally invasive procedures that are  crucial for diagnosing and managing a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases, from common conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, and colon polyps to more complex diseases  like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you are experiencing digestive symptoms  or need  routine colon cancer screening, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our expert providers about the right procedure for you. At Riverview Health, our board-certified Gastroenterologists offer top-notch digestive care. From personalized consultations to advanced procedures, we lead the way in gastroenterology.

Preparing for your procedures:

• EGD/Upper Endoscopy:

An Upper Endoscopy, also known as EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a common diagnostic procedure used to examine the upper part of your digestive system. It allows your doctor to visualize your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (called the duodenum) using a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it.

This procedure is typically performed when someone has symptoms like unexplained stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or heartburn. If you’ve been struggling with persistent symptoms related to your upper digestive system, an EGD could be an important step toward a diagnosis.

Instructions to prepare for EGD

• Video Capsule Endoscopy:

Capsule video endoscopy is a noninvasive procedure that uses a swallowed video capsule to take photographs of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Instructions to prepare for video capsule endosopy

• Colonoscopy:

A colonoscopy is a routine procedure that helps doctors examine the inside of your colon and rectum for any abnormalities, such as polyps, inflammation, or even cancer.  A colonoscopy is one of the best ways to prevent or identify colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death. It is preventable and treatable if detected early.

Schedule your colonoscopy

• Colonoscopy Preparation:

Before your colonoscopy procedure, you'll go through a process called colonoscopy preparation, and it  begins a few days before the procedure. It involves changing your diet and a bowel cleanse. This is only a temporary  inconvenience , that might  save your life. While the procedure itself is straightforward, the key to ensuring a successful and comfortable experience lies in the preparation.

Step-by-step instruction guide for colonoscopy

• Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet is generally recommended starting one day before the colonoscopy procedure. It involves consuming only liquids that are clear and free of any solid particles. These liquids help to hydrate your body and provide necessary nutrients while ensuring that your digestive system is empty. During this diet, you’ll avoid any food or drinks that are cloudy, contain pulp, or have solid material.

Clear liquid diet instructions

• Colonoscopy – MiraLAX Split dose Prep

MiraLAX Split Prep is a bowel prep regimen designed to cleanse your colon before a colonoscopy. It involves taking MiraLAX, an over-the-counter laxative, along with electrolyte solutions. The prep is done in two phases, which is why it’s called the split prep.

The main goal of the MiraLAX Split Prep is to help you cleanse your bowels completely so that your doctor has a clear, unobstructed view during your colonoscopy. This is crucial for detecting any abnormalities, like polyps or signs of cancer.

Instructions for MiraLAX Split dose Prep

• Colonoscopy Prep – Suprep

Suprep (Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) is a liquid bowel prep solution that is typically prescribed to patients before a colonoscopy. It’s designed to help you cleanse your colon by causing frequent, liquid bowel movements.

The great thing about Suprep is that it’s a split-dose prep, meaning you take the solution in two stages—on the evening before and the morning of your colonoscopy.

Instructions for Colonoscopy Prep – Suprep

• Medication Guidelines

If you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, there are several things to consider in preparation—and medication is one of the most important. Certain medications, whether prescription or over the counter, can interfere with the procedure or affect the preparation process, so it’s crucial to know how to manage your medications before your colonoscopy.

Medication guidelines

• Colonoscopy Prep – GoLytely Split dose Prep

One of the most prescribed solutions for colonoscopy prep is GoLytely, a liquid solution that helps you thoroughly cleanse your colon before the procedure. The GoLytely split prep is a method that divides the solution into two doses, making it easier to tolerate and more effective.

Instructions for GoLytely Split Prep

Instructions for Extended GoLytely Prep