Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology Treatments at Glenwood Regional Medical Center

A multidisciplinary approach to digestive diseases is achieved through close collaboration with surgeons, hematologists and oncologists, radiologists, and other specialties throughout the medical center. Glenwood's endoscopy facility provides minimal wait time for patients requiring a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.

Gastroenterology treatments & services include:

• Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening with polyp removal
• Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease, crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Management of esophageal diseases, including esophageal motility studies and 24-hour pH monitoring
• Diagnostic and therapeutic biliary endoscopy, including stent placement and stone removal
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Small bowel enteroscopy
• Placement of feeding tubes into the stomach (PEG) or small intestine (PEJ) for patients who require supplemental feeding
• Management of gastrointestinal cancers using stent placement (esophageal, colonic, duodenal, and biliary stenosis) or argon beam coagulation

DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE

• Check-In Time: Please arrive one (1) hour before your procedure.  You will need to arrive early if you did not pre-register beforehand. 
• Plan on spending at least (3) hours in our gastroenterology unit.  Ideally we start on time, however delays can occur.
• Designated Driver: You MUST have a responsible adult (friend/family member) come with you to your colonoscopy.  You are NOT ALLOWED to drive, take public transportation to leave the gastroenterology unit alone.  If you do not have a designated driver, your procedure will be canceled.  Your driver can bring you home in any mode of transportation i.e. bus, taxi, walking, public transportation.
• Leave your valuables at home.
• Bring your glasses with you.

If you are unable to keep your procedure appointment or have any questions about the instructions, please call 318-329-3858, at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.  Call between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

KEY INSTRUCTIONS

• Your bowel MUST be empty to clearly view your colon and remove polyps. This means your last bowel movement should not be brown (yellow is ok).
• Do not eat any solid food the ENTIRE day before your colonoscopy.
• Buy your bowel preparation at least five (5) days before your procedure.  
• Review your medications to ensure which need to be held.
• Ensure you have a designated driver the day of your procedure.
• You must finish your prep at least four (4) hours prior to your procedure.

Three (3) Days Before Your Colonoscopy

• DO NOT eat high fiber foods: nuts, popcorn, beans, seeds, multigrain bread, salad, vegetables, or fruit.
• Begin hydrating by drinking more water.
• Fill out and bring all forms that were sent to you along with a current list of medications.

One (1) Day Before Your Colonoscopy

• DO NOT EAT!
• Consume only the following types of clear liquids:

1.     Water
2.     Broth
3.     Apple or White Grape Juice
4.     Tea (without milk or cream)
5.     Sparkling Water
6.     Ginger Ale
7.     Clear Sodas
8.     Gatorade (No red or blue)
9.     Plain Jello
10.     Popsicles

• Avoid all red or blue products
• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not chew gum on the day of the procedure

Your colonoscopy is an important part of your overall health and well-being.  To ensure that the test is as effective as possible, please follow the instructions provided by your physician and Glenwood Regional Medical Center.