Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a procedure where a flexible camera is used to visualize the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts to screen, diagnose, and treat different medical and surgical conditions.
Dr. Jedrzejko performs a range of endoscopic procedures on inpatients in hospital and outpatients as day procedures. These include:
1) upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]) which is the visualization of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum,
2) colonoscopy, which visualizes the entirety of the colon, rectum, and anus, and,
3) flexible sigmoidoscopy, which visualizes only the distal colon, rectum, and anus.
During your "scope," Dr. Jedrzejko will administer and monitor pain and sedation medication in order to identify precancerous lesions (e.g., polyps) and, if needed, perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions such as biopsy, removal of polyps, endoscopic photography, or bleeding control.
Resources
Click each link to read/download
Colonoscopy Prep Instructions - BI-PEGLYTE
Sigmoidoscopy Prep Instructions - FLEET ENEMA
After Hemorrhoid Banding Instructions
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FIT Testing: Information for Healthcare Providers from Cancer Care Ontario
EGD and colonoscopy images from UpToDate.com
FAQ
What can I expect for my first colonoscopy?
Dr. Jedrzejko's office will contact you with details on the reason, date/time, and instructions for your scope. These are day procedures most commonly performed at Welland Hospital. You will need to stop taking anticoagulant (i.e., blood thinner) medications 7 days before your scope. The day before your scope, follow instructions provided for bowel prep above (fasting, BI-PEGLYTE). Expect to be at the hospital for approx. 2hrs, though the scope itself is around 30min. You can resume a regular diet after your scope. Dr. Jedrzejko will provide post-scope instructions via handout and call two weeks later to confirm any follow-up instructions or tests.
Will I be asleep for my colonoscopy?
You will receive IV medications during your scope that help manage pain and anxiety (i.e., conscious sedation), but we do not recommend full sedation as this allows you to follow instructions during your scope, provide real-time feedback to keep you safer, and recover quicker.
When will I get my results?
You will be told about the preliminary results of your scope by Dr. Jedrzejko before you go home, though due to sedation medications many patients forget these details. You will also be given written information via a patient handout. If biopsies are performed or polyps are removed during the procedure, you will be contacted by Dr. Jedrzejko with the results and any follow-up instructions two weeks afterwards.