What to Expect During a Colonoscopy at Daviess Community Hospital

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to emphasize the benefits of early detection in preventing colon cancer. One of the best ways to screen for colorectal cancer is through a colonoscopy, a simple and effective procedure that can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

Many people delay scheduling a colonoscopy due to uncertainty about what the procedure entails. To help ease concerns and encourage more people to get screened, Sharon Mead, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Daviess Community Hospital, is sharing her recent experience with a colonoscopy.

Before the Colonoscopy: Scheduling and Preparation

Scheduling a colonoscopy at Daviess Community Hospital is simple, and no referral is needed. Mead was able to secure an appointment quickly after calling Washington Surgical Associates. During her visit, Jill Sluder, FNP-C, reviewed her medical history and explained what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

“My appointment only lasted about 20 minutes,” Mead said. “It was quick, but Jill took the time to make sure I understood everything and answered my questions.”

One of the biggest concerns for many patients is the bowel prep. Mead’s preparation included a clear liquid diet and over-the-counter medications such as Dulcolax and Miralax.

“I thought it would be much worse, but it wasn’t bad at all,” she said. “I followed the instructions, and by 9:00 p.m., I was done with the prep and was able to get a good night’s sleep.”

The Day of the Procedure

On the morning of her colonoscopy, Mead arrived at Daviess Community Hospital’s Same Day Surgery department, where she was greeted by the admitting team.

“The check-in process was smooth, and my husband, Pete, was able to stay with me until the procedure started, which helped me feel more comfortable,” she said.

After getting settled in a private room, nurses checked her vital signs, reviewed her medications, and prepped her IV. She also met with the anesthesia provider, who explained the sedation process, and her surgeon, Dr. Marcus Kurucz, who answered any final questions before the procedure.

During the Colonoscopy

Once in the procedure room, Mead was given light sedation through an IV to help her relax.

“The next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery,” she said. “It was over before I even realized it started.”

After the Colonoscopy: Recovery and Results

After the procedure, Mead was monitored as she woke up from sedation. The nursing staff checked her vital signs and offered her a drink. Shortly after, her surgeon came in to discuss the results.

“No polyps or issues were found, so I won’t need another colonoscopy for 10 years,” she said. “It was such a relief to know everything was clear.”

Patients must have someone available to drive them home after the procedure, as the effects of sedation take time to wear off. It is also recommended to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid making major decisions.

Who Performs Colonoscopies at Daviess Community Hospital?

Colonoscopy screenings at DCH are available through our General Surgery team. Among the skilled providers offering this service are:

• Marcus A. Kurucz, MD, FACS – A board-certified general surgeon with more than 17 years of experience in hospital and clinical settings, including acute care, trauma, and wound care. Dr. Kurucz specializes in breast cancer surgery, colonoscopy, port placements, skin cancer removal, and minimally invasive procedures such as colon resections, gallbladder and appendix removal, and hernia repair.
• Alexander P. Mathew, MD, FACS – A board-certified general surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Mathew has provided surgical care at DCH for over a decade. He specializes in colon resections, laparoscopic hernia repair, gallbladder removal, hemorrhoidectomies, thyroidectomies, skin cancer removal, breast surgery, EGDs, and colonoscopies.
• Megan A. Stevenson, MD, FACS – A board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Stevenson earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and became board-certified in surgery in 2016. Dr. Stevenson specializes in breast cancer surgery, colonoscopy, port placements, skin cancer removal, and minimally invasive procedures such as colon resections, gallbladder and appendix removal, and hernia repair.

Why a Colonoscopy Matters

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin screenings at age 45, with earlier screenings for those with a family history or other risk factors.

“Colonoscopies save lives,” Mead emphasized. “I know people put them off because they seem intimidating, but the process is really simple. If you’re due for a screening, don’t wait—schedule yours today.”

For more information or to schedule a colonoscopy, contact Daviess Community Hospital’s General Surgery team at (812) 254-8856. No referral is required.