[al & jane]

Alternative to colon surgery: What your gastroenterologist probably will not tell you.

First, a disclaimer. Although I spent the majority of my working life in health care, I am not a M.D., RN or other clinician so all of this information is from the perspective of a patient who always extensively researches every option.

The vast majority of us are over age 50 which means we should have a colonoscopy from time to time and the procedure is invaluable to saving lives and catching colon cancer, either as polyps form or as they progress into the early stages of cancer.

Last fall I had my first ever colonoscopy here in The Villages, performed by nationally-ranked and highly qualified Gastroenterologist who was very professional and thorough. He removed some polyps during the procedure but afterwards he informed me both verbally and in writing that I had to have colon surgery to remove a flat lesion as well as a polyp which was too large to remove endoscopically. I asked if there were any options other than surgery and was told that there were none. It appeared that the only choice I had was to be admitted to a hospital and have either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, either of which are invasive procedures requiring several days’ recovery in the hospital and many weeks of down time at home. Never one to enjoy being cut on or to accept much at face value I began doing research on the subject of colon resections. After countless days and hours online, I discovered 3 Gastroenterologists at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who are trained in a highly specialized technique called Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). There are many others in the U.S. who also perform the EMR but Mayo was the closest to us.

My visit to the Mayo Clinic in January was like a stay at a Ritz Carlton. The staff was great in every way; courteous, helpful, efficient, on time, and very caring. Most importantly, the EMR was performed in 45 minutes, successfully removing both problems endoscopically (no surgery); I spent 45 minutes in recovery to let the anesthesia wear off. Afterwards I walked out of the hospital and my wife drove me home. I took one day off normal activities but 2 days later I was swimming, running and cycling. I had my follow-up colonoscopy yesterday and everything was great.

My brother-in-law had the exact same diagnosis earlier this year and surgery was recommended but after letting him know about EMR he had it done this week. The next day he was out mowing and edging his yard.

Nationally, it seems, Gastroenterologists don’t seem to want to tell you about this procedure but I am hoping that some of you or your friends who may end up with this diagnosis can take advantage of the latest technology and avoid the risk, pain and recovery time involved with surgery.

For more information: http://www.worldendo.org/assets/down...nic_polyps.pdf

[mainlander]

Excellent information...thx.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by al & jane

Alternative to colon surgery: What your gastroenterologist probably will not tell you.

First, a disclaimer. Although I spent the majority of my working life in health care, I am not a M.D., RN or other clinician so all of this information is from the perspective of a patient who always extensively researches every option.

The vast majority of us are over age 50 which means we should have a colonoscopy from time to time and the procedure is invaluable to saving lives and catching colon cancer, either as polyps form or as they progress into the early stages of cancer.

Last fall I had my first ever colonoscopy here in The Villages, performed by nationally-ranked and highly qualified Gastroenterologist who was very professional and thorough. He removed some polyps during the procedure but afterwards he informed me both verbally and in writing that I had to have colon surgery to remove a flat lesion as well as a polyp which was too large to remove endoscopically. I asked if there were any options other than surgery and was told that there were none. It appeared that the only choice I had was to be admitted to a hospital and have either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, either of which are invasive procedures requiring several days’ recovery in the hospital and many weeks of down time at home. Never one to enjoy being cut on or to accept much at face value I began doing research on the subject of colon resections. After countless days and hours online, I discovered 3 Gastroenterologists at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who are trained in a highly specialized technique called Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). There are many others in the U.S. who also perform the EMR but Mayo was the closest to us.

My visit to the Mayo Clinic in January was like a stay at a Ritz Carlton. The staff was great in every way; courteous, helpful, efficient, on time, and very caring. Most importantly, the EMR was performed in 45 minutes, successfully removing both problems endoscopically (no surgery); I spent 45 minutes in recovery to let the anesthesia wear off. Afterwards I walked out of the hospital and my wife drove me home. I took one day off normal activities but 2 days later I was swimming, running and cycling. I had my follow-up colonoscopy yesterday and everything was great.

My brother-in-law had the exact same diagnosis earlier this year and surgery was recommended but after letting him know about EMR he had it done this week. The next day he was out mowing and edging his yard.

Nationally, it seems, Gastroenterologists don’t seem to want to tell you about this procedure but I am hoping that some of you or your friends who may end up with this diagnosis can take advantage of the latest technology and avoid the risk, pain and recovery time involved with surgery.

For more information: http://www.worldendo.org/assets/down...nic_polyps.pdf

Wish to thank you for posting this information on Colon.

I had major kidney surgery at Mayo in Jacksonville, surgery at 7:35am, left the hospital just before noon, and resumed normal activities the following day. Incredible experience, fine hospital with excellent staff.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by al & jane

Nationally, it seems, Gastroenterologists don’t seem to want to tell you about this procedure but I am hoping that some of you or your friends who may end up with this diagnosis can take advantage of the latest technology and avoid the risk, pain and recovery time involved with surgery.

It's also likely that Gastroenterologists won't tell you you can reduce your risk for colon cancer by eating a better diet and exercising.

Too, cardiologists will suggest bypass surgery rather than suggesting diet and exercise to reverse clogged arteries.

[chachacha]

that is all very good information...thank you for posting! hope i never need it but will file it away in the old grey matter!

[duffysmom]

Al, I had the exact experience. After my colonoscopy a highly respected gastroenterologist here in TV said I needed to have surgery to remove a mass in my colon (her brother was the surgeon recommended). We immediately went to Mayo in Jacksonville where I was assured they would try to remove it through a colonoscopy but I was prepped for surgery if needed. After the colonoscopy I was told it was benign. Within a couple of hours I had the procedure and was on the way home. Since then I return to Mayo for my colonoscopies. It is a great hospital and only a 3 hour ride on country roads.

[MicheleE]

I've got an amazing Gastro doctor at Shands UF Gainsville. Dr. Sarah Glover. She handles digestive diseases and actually specializes in the hard to treat ones. I've had Chron's Disease for 10 years. Just another FYI

[LynnDeb]

Thank you for all your info and glad to hear all is well

[Parker]

Would have been interesting to know the physician's response had the OP asked why he wasn't told of this option. Very interesting indeed.

[LatDoc]

Just to clarify....gastroenterologists don't do the surgery...a surgeon does...either may offer the option of an endoscopic procedure that may be an alternative to the colon resection.

[Skip2MySue]

Great information that we all hope to never have to use.....

[queasy27]

Thanks so much Al and/or Jane! I probably wouldn't have thought to question the choice if my dr. said I needed surgery. (Dang me! I need to do that more!)

Glad you're doing well.

[justjim]

There is a difference in health care as you found out at Mayo in Jacksonville. I paid a visit to Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota a few years ago and was very impressed with the doctors and the level of care I received. OP thanks for your information on Mayo Jacksonville.

[rubicon]

I believe that Mayo is a premier facility and worthy of the praise given them. However, a doc at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN recommended I have an operation in 1990. I ignored his advice. He was dead wrong. My point people need to assert themselves because they are the ones that suffer the mistake. If I listened to the doctor that treated my son when he was 12 yeas old my son would be dead today. I pushed for an ENT who discovered that an infection was about to hit my son's brain. On the other hand I have had docs that I have learned to have full faith in for instance the cardiologist I have here.