Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your GI tract contains significant gastric organs, like your small intestine, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, and liver.
If you are 45 years or older, have a family history of colon cancer, or if you have complained to your family doctor about a digestive problem such as frequent abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or heartburn, make an appointment with Dr. Pou. Contact us for an appointment today.
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We are scheduling new patients now. Contact us for an appointment today.
For your first visit, bring completed new patient forms. To expedite your visit, sign up for our patient portal and complete your forms online. If you are a new patient, contact our office to request an email invitation to register.
Bring or provide your medical records (these can be faxed by your doctor), a list of medications including dosage, your insurance card, and a form of identification such as a driver’s license.
Bring your questions for Dr. Pou. Bring cash, check, or a credit/debit card to cover your co-payment.
Wait times may vary based on several factors, including the complexity of prior colonoscopy and endoscopic procedures, unforeseen delays, and individual patient needs. While we aim to adhere to your scheduled time, some variability is inevitable.
Potential Delays:
- Some procedures may take longer than expected due to complexities or patient-specific needs.
- Emergency cases or urgent diagnostic procedures may occasionally be prioritized.
Your care and comfort are our top priorities. While wait times can be frustrating, they are a sign of the personalized, high-quality care provided in our clinic. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we ensure the best outcomes for all patients.
Keep these two things in mind:
1. Scheduled time: The time you are scheduled is an approximation for when your procedure will begin. It may be subject to minor adjustments due to the complexity of prior procedures, unforeseen delays, and individual patient needs.
2. Wait Duration: Wait duration is the total time you spend in the colonoscopy clinic or endoscopy unit. The total time includes registration, preparation, the procedure itself, recovery, and post-procedure consultation. Wait duration can range from 3-4 hours.
We work diligently to ensure smooth transitions between registration, procedures and recovery. Our staff will inform you of any delays as soon as possible.
Bring a book or a device: Having something to do can make the wait feel shorter.
Ask questions: If you are unsure about the timeline, feel free to ask the staff.
Plan ahead: Keep your transportation provider informed about potential variability in your wait duration and release time.
Dress in layers: Wear clothes that will keep you warm, and clothing you can shed if too hot.
Be kind to yourself: After your procedure, follow dietary and medication instructions.
Be alert: During your recovery, be vigilant. Seek help promptly if needed.
A colon cancer screening is the process of looking for polyps and cancerous growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum when no gastrointestinal symptoms of disease are present. Click here to learn more about colonoscopy.
Colon cancer has the one of the highest death count from patients with cancer in the US. It is estimated that over 52,000 deaths from this disease will occur in the United States each year.
Yes, a colonoscopy may detect polyps (small growths on the lining of the colon). Dr. Pou will remove these polyps during the colonoscopy. Removal of polyps will result in a major reduction in the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer in the future.
How well you prepare for your procedure determines how well Dr. Pou can see what he needs to see. Bowel preparation is your responsibility. Please do not wait until the day prior to your procedure to read the instructions. Click here for bowel preparation instructions.
A colonoscopy is generally safe. One possible complication is perforation, or tear, through the bowel wall that could require surgery. Bleeding might occur, but it’s usually minor and can be controlled through the colonoscope. Some patients may have complications or a reaction to sedatives.
Contact us right away if you have severe abdominal pain or cramping, persistent nausea or vomiting, high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C), significant rectal bleeding (more than a few drops), difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Recovery times vary depending on the type of sedation used and individual patient responses. You will be monitored until the sedative has worn off.
If you had a colonoscopy, you may experience cramping or bloating because of air introduced into the colon during the procedure. If you had an upper endoscopy, you may experience a slight sore throat, mild bloating, burping or hoarseness. These symptoms typically resolve within a day and may be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.
After the sedative has worn off and you are alert, Dr. Pou will explain the results of the exam. You may be groggy from the sedative and wish to have someone in the room with you to hear the results.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after your GI procedure. You should be able to eat normally, but Dr. Pou may restrict your diet and activities for a short period of time. You should not return to work, drive or operate heavy equipment for the remainder of the day.
Colonoscopy: Start with light, easily digestible foods like soup, crackers, or toast. Gradually return to your normal diet unless advised otherwise. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Upper Endoscopy: Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness in your throat wears off (usually 1–2 hours after the procedure). Start with small sips of water, then progress to soft foods as tolerated.
Resume your regular medications unless Dr. Pou instructs otherwise.
If biopsies were taken, you may be advised to avoid certain medications temporarily (i.e. NSAIDs). Follow Dr. Pou’s instructions.
Dr. Pou will discuss the initial procedure findings with you before you leave. Tests may be ordered, based on the procedure findings.
If biopsies or samples were taken, results are usually available within a few days. We will contact you with the results and any further recommendations.
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You can access your records and communicate directly with our office online, 24/7 via the Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology Patient Portal.
You can pay your bill from Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology here.