Gastroenterology Department | KAIST Clinic Pappalardo Center

Q [Gastroenterology Department] Precautions - After colonoscopy

A

After colonoscopy, there may be anal pain.

If you take a sitz bath with warm water after returning home, the tense anal sphincter will be relaxed, and anal pain will be relieved.

Abdominal bloating may persist due to the air insertion for accurate observation during the examination,

but it will be relieved by passing gas.

After the test, there may be small amounts of blood in the stool, and the symptom usually subsides in 2-3 days.

If the following symptoms persist and it is determined that emergency treatment is necessary,

please contact the gastroenterology department of KAIST Clinic (042-350-0535) or an external emergency room.

* Melena, bloody stool, dizziness, tachycardia, cold sweat, severe abdominal pain*

Q [Gastroenterology Department] Precautions - After gastroendoscopy

A

After gastroendoscopy, keep fasting for 30 minutes while the throat anesthesia is relieved.

However, after the biopsy, you need to fast for about 3 hours.

On the day, please avoid hot, hard and spicy food (as well as alcohol and tobacco).

There may be a sore throat after gastroendoscopy,

but it will be relieved over time, and rinsing your throat with lukewarm water will help.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] What are the precautions after sedative endoscopy?

A

1) You may feel drowsy, dizziness, or memory loss for several hours after recovery.

2) When you return home, it is recommended to be accompanied by a guardian

such as a family member or friend to prevent the risk of slip and fall.

3) Avoid driving, handling machinery or laboratory equipment, or important meetings.

4) It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, exercise, and sauna on the day.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] If a polyp is found during colonoscopy, can it be removed immediately?

A

Some of the various types of polyps in the colon grow in size over time and develop into bad tumors or cancers.

If a polyp of a small size that can be removed with an endoscope is found, it will be immediately removed through excision,

and a biopsy is performed at the same time.

However, there is a risk of complications (bleeding, perforation) if the polyp is large so that it is difficult to completely excise or the shape is not good. In that cases, it is recommended to visit an outside hospital that can safely remove polyps.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] What drugs are used for sedative endoscopy?

A

A sedative drug called 'Midazolam' is administered intravenously.

We use midazolam in an appropriate dose in consideration of each individual's age and health condition.

In rare cases, even if the maximum dose of midazolam does not relieve sedation, the dose will not be increased because of the risk of side effects.

'Propofol' is not currently used in our clinic.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] What is the difference between a sedative endoscopy and a general endoscopy?

A

The endoscopy procedure is the same.

In the case of sedative endoscopy, the cost of sedative drug is added, and you can have a more comfortable examination because drugs are administered to the blood vessels so that you reach a certain level of sedation before the endoscopy is performed.

In rare cases, emergency situations such as dyspnea and cardiac disfunction may occur.

Therefore, if you are older than 65 years and have respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular disease (angina and myocardial infarction), etc., sedative endoscopy may be restricted.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] Is the endoscopy very painful?

A

1) Local anesthesia is sprayed into the throat right before the examination to minimize neck pain and discomfort during endoscopy.

2) During gastroendoscopy, air is put in to observe the inside, so you may feel bloating and pain during general endoscopy.

You may also experience a mild sore throat or discomfort after endoscopy due to the insertion of the endoscopic instrument.

3) During colonoscopy, air is put in to observe the inside, so you may feel bloating and pain.

Abdominal distension may be caused by air insertion during the procedure.

After colonoscopy, passing gas will be helpful.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] How much time does an endoscopy take?

A

General gastroendoscopy takes 5-10 minutes, and sedative gastroendoscopy takes 20-30 minutes including recovery time.

Sedative gastroendoscopy and colonoscopy takes about 40 minutes, including recovery time.

If a biopsy is performed, it may take a little more time.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] I would like to undergo an endoscopy.

A

Endoscopy requires consultation with a gastroenterologist.

We recommend that you see a gastroenterologist first.

After consulting a doctor, diet control, exercise, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound tests, and medication are prescribed

according to various gastrointestinal symptoms.

After that, an endoscopy is possible with a doctor's prescription.

Q [Gastroenterology Department] I did not make an appointment, but can I register and see a doctor on the same day?

A

Yes, you can.

Medical Treatments start every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (except holidays) from 9:00 am,

and you can register by 12:30 to see a doctor on the same day.

You can register at the reception desk on the first floor and see a doctor on the same day.

However, there may be a waiting time, and please note that those who made an appointments are treated first.