New Procedure at Jefferson a Life-and-Time-Saver

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital submitted the following news item:

Fifty-six-year-old Bob Fendt, of Haddonfield, is about to have his second colonoscopy later this month at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. 

His 87-year-old father won a brief bout of colon cancer seven years ago, thanks to a colonoscopy and partial bowel resection. It’s safe to say Fendt has a family history. It’s a strong enough family history that he is having colonoscopies every five years versus the recommended screening of every 10 years.   

Fendt works full-time as a personal injury attorney and is a partner at Perskie & Fendt, P.C. His wife is also an attorney and partner at her firm. And with three kids, life is busy. So when Dr. David Kastenberg, gastroenterologist at Jefferson, talked to Fendt about using a colon cleansing preparation that can be taken entirely the morning of the procedure—in just two doses separated by three hours—Fendt was open to the idea.

Fendt had a split night and morning preparation with his last colonoscopy, and he found it took two full days out of his work schedule—one day to prepare and one day for the actual procedure/recovery. 

Fendt says that morning only preparation is perfect for those patients like him, who are working adults and will appreciate not having to take extra time off from work to start the preparation the day before. 

“It’s clearly more convenient,” Fendt says. “I like the idea of getting it all done within the same day.”

Fendt urges others to be screened. “The morning preparation is a great option and hopefully fewer people will be put off by it. With so many things that can happen in life, it’s worth some mild discomfort from such a benign procedure.  All I need to do is think about how much I love my wife and children and any discomfort from the preparation vanishes. I’ve been married 25 years and I want to be around for another 25—that is if my wife will put up with me.”

Colonoscopy is a highly effective way of detecting pre-cancerous polyps. Colonoscopies are performed under twilight anesthesia. Patients typically recover quickly and are asked to not exercise the remainder of the day. It is also recommended that they stay hydrated after the procedure by drinking a lot of fluids.