This is from a pamphlet I received from CHEO regarding this procedure for my children. It is very important that you view this as a guideline and ask questions of your GI, GI nurse/team for details (timings, etc.) as there could be differences from hospital to hospital.:wink:



WHAT IS A COLONSCOPY/LOWER ENDOSCOPY WITH BIOPSY?

The physician has ordered a colonscopy. During this procedure the inside of your child's large bowel (colon) may be looked at. A long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is passed into the rectum and then moved into the rest of the colon. The end of the colonoscope has a miniature video camera and a light to see the inside of the bowel. An anesthetist will be there for the procedure to put your child asleep (general anesthesia) and to monitor your child during the procedure.


WHY IS THIS NEEDED?

The reason we do this is to try to find the cause of your child's problems.

During the test, small pieces (biopsies) of the lining of the colon are taken. The biopsies are then examined by another doctor (pathologist) under a microscope to help in diagnosing your child's illness. Taking the biopsies cannot be felt by your child either during or after the procedure.


IS THERE ANY PREPARATION?

Your child will need to take medication that will encourage bowel movements (bowel clean protocol).

Follow fasting instructions given by your team.


WHAT HAPPENS THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE?

> Your child should arrive in Day Care Surgery two hours before the procedure.

> When the procedure room and doctors are ready, family and the patient will be taken to the front door of the Operating Room where you will have the chance to meet the anesthetist. Family cannot enter the OR. (I will add here that several members of IRD have been able to enter and be with their children while they were put under. As this is CHEO the procedure varies here).

> Once the child goes for the procedure, the family should go to the OR waiting room and remain there until the doctor speaks to you.

> An intravenous (I.V.) will be started in the OR, then the anesthetist will inject drugs through the IV before the test. The drugs will make your child sleep. The anesthetist may also put in a tube into the wind pipe and give other drugs through this tube to keep your child asleep.

> Your child will not be able to remember anything about the procedure.

> Once the procedure is completed, your child will go to the Recovery Room and the doctor will meet with you to discuss what was seen during the procedure.

> Once awake, yoru child will be taken to the Day Care Surgery Unit. You may join your child there.

> In the Recovery Room and Day Care Surgery Unit, the nurse will check vital signs.

> After endoscopy there may be a feeling of fullness in the stomach the first few hours afterwards, and there may be some burping. The throat may also feel scratchy after the procedure.

> The I.V. will be removed when your child is drinking well.

> If your child was intubated by the anesthetist for the procedure, there may be a sore throat for a day or two.

> After endoscopy, there may be some gas pains, and a large amount of gas may be passed after the procedure. Small amounts of blood may be seen in the next few stools. After the test, we suggest a lighter first meal.

> Your child will go home when the vital signs are good.

> Your child should be able to participate in regular activities the following day.


WHEN ARE THE RESULTS AVAILABLE?

The results of biopsies are usually back within 7 to 14 days and will either be called to you or discussed with you at your clinic visit.


Here is a bit on other testing for GERD as well:

http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/reflux_tests.php