Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy (EGD) in Fort Myers

Advanced Surgical Care of Fort Myers performs screening and diagnostic colonoscopy and upper endoscopy (EGD) in a comfortable outpatient setting, with sedation and a same-day return home.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the lining of the colon and rectum. It is the only screening test that can find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

• Screening colonoscopy: for people without symptoms. National guidelines recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. People with a family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier.
• Diagnostic colonoscopy: to evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, anemia or an abnormal stool test, or for follow-up after polyps.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

An upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. It is commonly used to evaluate heartburn and reflux, trouble swallowing, upper abdominal pain, ulcers, bleeding or anemia, and to monitor conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the exam.

Preparing for Your Procedure

• Colonoscopy prep: you will follow a clear-liquid diet and take a bowel-prep solution the day before. A thorough prep is the most important part of a high-quality exam, so follow your instructions exactly.
• EGD: you will usually need to stop eating and drinking for several hours beforehand.
• Tell your doctor about blood thinners, diabetes medications and GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which may need to be adjusted.
• Because you will receive sedation, an adult must drive you home.

What to Expect

Before: You will first see your surgeon for a consultation at their office. Once your procedure is scheduled, our nurses will call you before your surgery date with instructions about eating, drinking and medications. See Before Surgery.

Day of surgery: Arrive at the time you are given and bring your ID, insurance card and medication list. You will meet your anesthesia provider and nurse, and after your procedure you will rest in our recovery area. You will need an adult to drive you home. See Day of Surgery.

After: You will go home with written instructions from your surgeon. Follow them closely, and call your surgeon’s office with any questions. See After Surgery and Helpful Hints.

Most people feel back to normal later the same day and resume regular activities the next day. Your doctor will review findings with you, and biopsy results usually follow within several days.

Endoscopy Surgeons at Our Center

Colonoscopy and upper endoscopy at Advanced Surgical Care of Fort Myers are performed by Steve R. Siegal, MD, FACS, Peter M. Denk, MD, FACS, Valerie R. Dyke, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Jeffrey A. Neale, MD, FACS, FASCRS and Nagesh B. Ravipati, MD, FACS, FASCRS.

Insurance, Self-Pay and Financing

Screening colonoscopy is covered as preventive care by most insurance plans. If a polyp is removed, or if the colonoscopy is done to evaluate symptoms, it may be billed as diagnostic and cost-sharing may apply, so ask your plan before your procedure. Your deductible, copay or coinsurance depends on your plan, so check with your insurance company. Surgery centers often have lower facility fees than hospitals. If you are paying for your procedure yourself, you can request a Good Faith Estimate. CareCredit financing is accepted. For billing questions, see Billing Info or call 239-236-2215.

Common Questions

Will I be awake?

Patients receive sedation for comfort and most remember little or nothing of the procedure.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?

If your colonoscopy is normal and you are at average risk, the usual interval is 10 years. If polyps are found, your doctor will recommend a shorter interval.

How to Schedule

Procedures at Advanced Surgical Care of Fort Myers are scheduled through your surgeon’s office. Schedule a consultation with Steve R. Siegal, MD, FACS, Peter M. Denk, MD, FACS, Valerie R. Dyke, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Jeffrey A. Neale, MD, FACS, FASCRS and Nagesh B. Ravipati, MD, FACS, FASCRS through their office; phone numbers are on each surgeon’s page. Already scheduled with us? Call 239-236-2215 with questions about your procedure, billing or directions.

Advanced Surgical Care of Fort Myers, 13195 Metro Pkwy, Unit 12-16, Fort Myers, FL 33966, just off I-75 at exit 131. Directions.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your surgeon will recommend the treatment that is right for you.