Digestive Disease Center
The Digestive Disease Center at UWMC offers a full range of consultations and procedures for the care of digestive disorders, also known as gastroenterology, and problems of the gastrointestinal system. Many of these procedures involve using a tube to look into the gastrointestinal tract in order to diagnose, and in some cases treat, problems of the digestive system. Endoscopy procedures are used, for example, to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, heart burn, bleeding, chronic indigestion and abdominal or chest pain. This clinic, located in UWMC's Surgery Pavilion, is a regional resource in gastroenterology care, and treats patients from throughout the United States. Provided in this section is a list of procedures performed at the DDC along with preparation instructions.

Scheduling Tests & Procedures
Our physicians determine when a test or procedure is appropriate. This may be determined during your clinic visit or after a review of your referral and medical records. One of our Patient Care Coordinators will contact you to schedule once the review process is complete. You will be given an appointment date and preparation instructions. For your convenience, preparation instructions are also provided below.

The following information is provided for your convenience and should not be considered a medical consultation. To determine the appropriateness of a procedure or a treatment for you, please consult your GI physician. If you are already scheduled for a procedure, please consult with your GI physician's office before starting your procedure preparation, as physicians may have different preferences. Please see our contact information above.

A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the lining of your large intestine. To do the colonoscopy, your doctor will use a flexible tube that is about as wide as your finger. The tube will be placed in your rectum.

To help you relax, you will receive a sedative through a vein (IV). Most patients fall asleep during the test. Your doctor may also take biopsies or remove polyps, but you will not feel this. We will make every effort to keep you comfortable.

The test takes about 30 minutes, but your appointment will last longer to allow time for preparing and recovery. When you wake up after the test, we will share the results with you. If results are not ready right after the test we will tell you when you can expect to receive them from us.

The following are detailed instructions for how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Click on the instructions that apply to the type of preparation you will be taking, download a copy and print it out. If specific modifications need to be made to your prep, we will let you know. If you have any questions, please contact us at the number listed above.

If your appointment is in the MORNING,
please select the appropriate preparation from this list:

• Colonoscopy with GoLytely
• Colonoscopy with HalfLytely
• Colonoscopy with MoviPrep
• Colonoscopy with OsmoPrep

If your appointment is in the AFTERNOON,
please select the appropriate preparation from this list:

• Colonoscopy with GoLytely
• Colonoscopy with HalfLytely
• Colonoscopy with MoviPrep
• Colonoscopy with OsmoPrep