Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Because of this, we have made early detection of colorectal cancer a priority. Unlike some forms of cancer, Colorectal cancer can be prevented and cured if detected early.

We use the following recommendations of the American Cancer Society in regards to screening.

1. Patients should receive a rectal examination every year after age forty.
2. A stool for invisible blood every year after age fifty.
3. A colonoscopy every 10 years or a sigmoidoscopy (preferably flexible) every three to five years after age fifty.

The screening guidelines only apply to people who have no symptoms. If there is rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, personal or family histories of polyps or colorectal cancer, history of inflammatory bowel disease, or personal history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, discuss these factors with Dr. Meehan.

The endoscopy procedures are performed at Johnston Medical Center. Dr. Meehan performs about 1,000 endoscopic procedures each year. Dr. Meehan performs this procedure both for his own patients and through referrals from other physicians. For referrals, Dr. Meehan tries to see the patient within five to seven days with the procedure done within the following week.

 

Preparing for your endoscopy procedure

ON THE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

1. You may have a clear liquid meal at both breakfast and lunch. For example: clear tea, coffee, cola or ginger ale, broth or bullion, strained orange juice, or apple juice.
2. Use 1 gallon of Colye/Golytely solution. It may taste better if kept on ice.
3. Start between 2 and 5PM and drink 1 cup of solution every 10 minutes. Shake the bottle of solution well before pouring each cup.
4. If nausea, vomiting or abdominal distention occurs STOP drinking the solution. Wait 30 minutes, then continue drinking the solution. If just slight nausea occurs, continue to drink.
5. You should be expelling bowels contents by 1-½ hours after starting the prep. If not, do not drink further solution until expelling stool freely.
6. Finish the bottle. Your stool should be liquid and clear in 1½ to three hours. After stool becomes liquid and clear and after you have finished the entire bottle, take 4 Dulcolax tablets.
7. You may have an unsweetened, clear liquid diet until midnight.
8. Have nothing to drink after midnight.

ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE:

1. Do not eat or drink anything, however, you should take any heart, blood pressure, or seizure medications with a sip of water. Do not take any diabetic medications.
2. Come to Johnston Medical Center; go to Registration of the first floor.
3. You will be given a medication for colonoscopy, which will make you drowsy, and you will not be able to drive. Bring a family member or friend to drive you home.
4. If your procedure is scheduled for after 12 noon, you may have clear liquids before 8 am. But have nothing after 8 am.
5. If you are taking medication containing iron, discontinue at least 4 days before your colonoscopy.
6. If you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, (Nuprin, Advil, Motrin), arthritis medicine or persantine (Dipyridamole), stop at least 4 days before your colonoscopy.
7. If you have a bleeding disorder and are taking blood thinners, please let us know.
8. Please do not wear nail polish, jewelry (wedding bands are acceptable) or heavy make-up. Please leave your valuables at home.