What are some signs and symptoms of Colon cancer?
Polyps and cancer can cause many symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. Colon polyps and cancers are very slow to give symptoms. All symptoms should be evaluated fully.

What is a polyp?
Polyps are growths in the colon and rectum. Polyps are usually small and typically do not give any symptoms. There are many different types of polyps. If polyps such as adenomas are left in the colon long enough, they can turn into cancer.  Removing polyps at colonoscopy can prevent most colon and rectal cancers.

At what age should I have a colonoscopy?
Average risk individuals should start colon and rectal cancer screening at the age of 50. People with symptoms or other risk factors, such as a family history, should start earlier.

What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the most thorough evaluation of the colon and rectum. It involves using a camera on a flexible tube to visualize the lining of the entire colon. It requires a full bowel preparation to remove the entire stool the day prior to the test. The test is performed with medication so as to ensure patient comfort.

Is a colonoscopy performed in the hospital or the doctor office?
Colonoscopies are performed on an outpatient basis, either at a hospital or a freestanding surgical unit. The average stay for this procedure is 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours.

Do I need to prep for the colonoscopy?
YES, please refer to the prep instruction sheet given to you by the office or call the colonoscopy scheduler at 407-422-3790 ext. 3010.

What hospitals are the doctors affiliated with?
The physicians are affiliated with Orlando Regional, Florida Hospital, Surgical Licensed Ward and Health Central Hospital (Dr. Gallagher only). Your insurance company and availability of time determine locations for procedures.

Why do I have to wait so long for an office appointment?
The physicians in the office see as many patients as possible without compromising care. The demand for appointments is very high and this can lead a long waiting period between referrals and appointments.

Why is my appointment occasionally rescheduled?
Our physicians give the highest quality care for many patients. Colon and rectal surgery has many emergencies, which can require urgent surgery or procedures, including bleeding, bowel perforations, and bowel obstructions. Our physicians are often doing procedures or surgeries everyday. Hospital delays and emergency procedures account for the frequent need to change appointment times and dates.

How soon will my surgery be performed?
It depends on the physician's schedule and the requested hospital. Our surgical scheduling department will work with both physician's schedule and the patient's schedule to coordinate an acceptable date.

Will I be seen on time?
We try to give all our patients the time that they need to address their problems and to complete their procedures. Because of this, schedules can vary incredibly. We try never to rush any visits, procedures or operations. Our patients appreciate this when we are caring for them or their families. Our physicians try to keep the office staff informed of any delays that may occur in the schedule, so that patients do not have to waste their valuable time due to unforeseen delays. Due to the nature of our procedures and operations we occasionally have an unavoidable delays. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Who do I call after the office is closed?
A doctor is on call 24 hours a day and can be reached for emergencies after regular office hours. If it is an emergency, please call the office 407-422-3790 and leave a message and the on call doctor will be paged for you. If you have questions and it is not an emergency please call the office during regular office hours.

What should I expect on my initial visit?
The first visit will include an extensive medical history, an examination by the doctor (if applicable), and consultation with the doctor. We value each patient and want to give you our attention for the full length of this visit. Therefore, we ask that you arrive on time and bring the enclosed forms that we have included filled out to the best of your ability, your insurance card, authorization (if applicable), and your co-payment and / or co-insurance. If you have had any other test or records from other physicians please bring them with you or have them faxed to the office 407-425-4358.