Colonoscopy & Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Colonoscopy & upper endoscopy (EGD)
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is part of Dr. Brown’s practice. It lets him look directly inside the digestive tract to prevent cancer, find the cause of symptoms, and plan surgery.
- Colonoscopy: colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal, and evaluation of rectal bleeding, anemia, or changes in bowel habits.
- Upper endoscopy (EGD): examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for acid reflux, swallowing difficulty, ulcers, or abdominal pain.
- EGD with dilation: when a narrowed area of the esophagus makes swallowing difficult, it can be gently stretched (dilated) during the EGD.
- Barrett’s esophagus surveillance: scheduled EGD with biopsies for Barrett’s esophagus, with TissueCypher® risk testing on biopsy tissue already taken.
- MiVu™ reflux testing: mucosal integrity testing of the esophageal lining, done in a few minutes during EGD with no multi-day capsule; Bravo or other testing may still be needed in some cases.
- Bravo pH monitor placement: a small wireless capsule placed during EGD to measure acid reflux.
- Feeding tube placement: gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement for patients who cannot eat enough by mouth.
See the colonoscopy prep guide, or download the SAGES Colonoscopy Patient Information Guide (PDF) for helpful preparation details.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Brown operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I get my first screening colonoscopy?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier, or be checked more often, if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited conditions. Screening decisions after age 75 are made individually with your doctor.
Is colonoscopy the only way to screen for colon cancer?
No. Stool-based tests and other exams are also recommended screening options. Colonoscopy is the only one that lets the doctor find and remove polyps during the same exam, and an abnormal result on any other screening test should be followed by a colonoscopy.
What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic colonoscopy?
A screening colonoscopy is done when you have no symptoms. A diagnostic colonoscopy is done to look for the cause of symptoms such as bleeding or a change in bowel habits, or to follow up an abnormal test. Insurance may cover the two differently, so our office can help you check your benefits.
Will I be asleep during my colonoscopy?
You receive sedation so you are comfortable, and most patients remember little or nothing of the exam. Because of the sedation, you need an adult to drive you home and should not drive for the rest of the day.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
You follow a bowel prep the day before (or two days before) so the colon is clean. Our office gives you written step-by-step 1-day or 2-day prep instructions, a clear-liquid diet list and guidance on which medications to pause.
What is an upper endoscopy (EGD)?
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the exam.
Why might I need an EGD?
Common reasons include heartburn or reflux that does not get better with medicine, trouble or pain swallowing, food sticking, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, unexplained anemia, and evaluation before reflux or hiatal hernia surgery.
Do I need a bowel prep for an EGD?
No. For an EGD alone you only need an empty stomach, so you will be told not to eat or drink for a period of time before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy at the same time, you will also follow the colonoscopy prep.
Can I have an EGD and a colonoscopy on the same day?
In many cases, yes. When both are needed they can often be done one after the other during the same sedation.
What is recovery like after an EGD?
Most people feel a mild sore throat or some bloating for a short time. You need a driver because of the sedation, and most people return to normal activities the next day.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.