What to Expect from Gastrointestinal, Colon and Rectal Procedures

Here at LaPeer surgery center we’re busy all year round, and with so many patients walking through our doors there are always some (in fact probably most) who feel nervous about any procedure that they may have to undergo.

It’s not just surgical procedures that are carried out here either; we have biopsies carried out under local anesthetic, and others that require no anesthesia at all, as they are purely used for diagnostic purposes. No matter what procedure you are undertaking, all of our physicians, nurses and doctors always go through the stages and preparation carefully, ensuring each patient knows exactly what’s going on.

We’re going to give you a brief overview of what you can expect from a small handful of procedures carried out at LaPeer Surgery Center, but rest assured that if you do require any of them, you will receive a great deal more information and support…
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: An endoscopy involves the use of an ‘endoscope’, which is a small camera and light at the end of a tube. This can be used to view the upper gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth, past the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and finally to the duodenum), and the tube is inserted into the throat. This is a very common procedure carried out on a daily basis here at LaPeer Surgery Center. It involves absolutely no incisions and is generally carried out under IV sedation.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy also uses an endoscope, but it is used to view and examine the colon. Just like a gastrointestinal endoscopy, this procedure is carried out under IV sedation as it can be uncomfortable. The patient is generally fully sedated. This procedure takes approximately half an hour and does not require an overnight stay.

Sigmoidoscopy: Again, a sigmoidoscopy uses an endoscope, and it is used to view and examine the colon. The difference here is that the endoscope is only examining the lower third of the colon, and as a result tends to be a shorter procedure than a colonoscopy. With both colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies the patient will be required to take a laxative following a liquid only diet so the colon is empty for the examination.

Anal Fistulotomy: Also known just as a fistulotomy, this procedure is used to remove anal fistula (an abnormal tissue connection within the walls of the anus). Unlike endoscopies, this procedure is surgical and requires removal of the fistulous tract.  Recovery from this procedure usually takes one to two weeks, when the sufficient aftercare is carried out.

Hernia Repair: Also known as herniorrhaphy, this procedure is very common and does not take long to recover from. This is carried out under anesthesia to replace the protrusion back into the abdominal cavity.

What to Expect from Gastrointestinal, Colon and Rectal Procedure