5200 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412.621.7777
Fax: 412.683.8698
Digestive Health
and Endoscopy Center
1000 Integrity Drive
Penn Hills, PA 15235
Phone: 412.342.0036
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
24 hr. Answering
Service for Emergencys!
What does Colonoscopy Involve?
A nurse will place a catheter in an arm or hand vein so the physician can give you medication to keep you comfortable and lightly sedated. You will be positioned on your left side and the physician will insert a thin flexible tube, called a colonscope into your colon. The colonscope bends so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon and it puffs air into the colon to allow better visualization. The exam usually takes about 30 minutes.
During the exam, the physician may take a piece of tissue, called a biopsy or remove a polyp with tiny instruments inserted through the scope. These procedures will not cause you any more discomfort. All tissue specimens are sent to a lab for inspection by a pathologist. Your physician may also take a picture of the exam findings for documentation in your chart.
Colonoscopy is generally very safe, but as with any invasive procedure, complications (including perforation, bleeding, infection and excessive sedation) have been know to occur. Your physician will talk to you before the exam and address any of your questions or concerns.
Following the Exam you will remain in the recovery area until you are alert. Your physician will explain what was seen during the exam and discuss your plan of care. A nurse will provide you with written instructions and call you the following day.
Click here for a PDF document of preparations prior to your colonoscopy.
What Does Gastroscopy Involve?
A nurse will place a catheter in an arm or hand vein so your physician can give you medication to keep you comfortable and lightly sedated during the exam. Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic and you will be positioned on your left side. The physician will pass a thin, flexible tube called a gastroscope through your mouth and into your swallowing tube (esophagus). This will not interfere with your breathing. The gastroscope allows the physician to visualize your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of your small intestine) and generally takes about 15 minutes.
During the exam, the physician may take a piece of tissue, called a biopsy, or remove a polyp with tiny instruments inserted through the scope. These procedures will not cause you any more discomfort. All tissue samples are sent to the lab for inspection by a pathologist. Your physician may also take a picture of the exam findings for documentation in your chart.
Gastroscopy is generally very safe, but as with any invasive procedure, complications (including perforation, bleeding, infection and excessive sedation) have been know to occur. Your physician will talk to you before the exam and address any of your questions or concerns.
Instructions for Treatment of Esophagitis
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