Welcome to GastroCare Bahamas About Dr. Eugene Marcus Cooper
Dr. Cooper is an alumnus of Kingsway Academy. He was awarded his medical degree from the University of the West Indies and completed his Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology training at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He also has a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration from the Florida International University and is a lifetime member of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society.
He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Association of West Indian Gastroenterologists. See Dr. Cooper's CV
Where is your complaint Scroll over for common conditions of the gastrointestinal tract
Difficulty swallowing: Also known as dysphagia (dys-fey-juh), may be caused by a narrowing in the esophagus from chronic heartburn or inflammation. Persons with dysphagia often complain of food 'getting stuck' in the esophagus. Treatment may require medication or a procedure to open up the esophagus.
Heartburn: or Acid Reflux refers to a burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach from acid that comes from the stomach. Treatment usually involves making changes in the diet and medication.
Peptic (Gastric) Ulcer: refers to a 'break' in the lining of the stomach that may be very painful or bleed. It may be caused by medications like Aspirin or Motrin. Treatment will be determined by how severe it is.
Gas and Bloating: refers to abdominal discomfort that may or may not be associated with meals. It is usually the result of a poor diet but other causes are possible. Treatment options vary.
Constipation: refers to infrequent bowel movements. It is often related to diet but when severe, it may be related to a problem with the bowels. A colonoscopy may be necessary to determine the cause.
Rectal bleeding/Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids (hem-uh-roid) are only one cause of blood in the stools. A colonoscopy is usually recommended to determine the source of bleeding.
Diverticulosis: A common condition in older persons and those with chronic constipation. Small 'pockets' in the colon may become infected or bleed. Treatment is with antibiotics but if severe may require surgery.
Difficulty Swallowing
Heartburn
Peptic Ulcer
Gas & Bloating
Constipation
Hemorroids/ Rectal Bleeding
Diverticulosis
What to expect?
ENDOSCOPY
LIVE COLONOSCOPY
COLYTE Preparation Instructions for Colonoscopy
In order for the doctor to perform a colonoscopy, a bowel clean-out must be completed at home prior to the procedure. A bowel cleanout is a combination of a clear liquid diet and oral laxatives.
All of the items can be obtained at your local pharmacy. You will need to purchase:
- One bottle of CoLyte
- A small box of Dulcolax tablets. Not suppositories. You will need to take three.
1. Have your prescription filled for CoLyte in order to begin the colonoscopy preparation the day before the procedure. CoLyte should be mixed according to the directions and stored in the refrigerator because it may be easier to drink when cool.
2. Patients taking Insulin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, or other blood thinners should notify the office as soon as possible for specific instructions.
3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Discontinue any fiber supplements (Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, etc).
Do not take any iron pills or vitamins containing more than 15 mg of iron.
It is best to eat lightly for a few days before your exam. It makes the cleanout easier and more effective. Try to avoid overeating. Avoid whole wheat products and fibrous foods with skins, seeds, etc.
DAY BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Follow the instructions below the day prior to your procedure:
1. Clear liquids for breakfast (Tea, coffee, juices, jello)
2. At 4:00 pm fill the bottle of CoLyte to the line with water and mix according to the directions. Drink an 8-oz. glass every 10 - 15 minutes until the solution is entirely gone. Remain near bathroom facilities for the remainder of the evening. (If you feel nauseated, stop for one hour - but you need to drink all within 4 hours).
3. At 8:00 PM, take 3 Dulcolax tablets.
4. Continue drinking clear liquids until bedtime.
5. Diabetics will need an adjustment of their medications this day. Ask your doctor.
Clear liquids include:
- Broth or Bouillon (chicken or beef)
- Water, tea, coffee (no cream), 7Up, Ginger Ale
- Apple juice, white grape juice
- Jell-O (no red Jell-O)
- Gatorade
DAY OF COLONOSCOPY
No breakfast. You must remain fasting for 6 hours before your exam. No food, drink, candy, gum, etc. You may take any important prescription medications with a small sip of water.
(Diabetic medications and blood thinners such as Coumadin require special instructions. Ask your doctor.)
Plan to arrive at your scheduled arrival time - which will be one hour before your procedure.
Bring a driver, you will not be allowed to drive home. The average visit is about two hours. Arriving late or without a driver may require cancelling and rescheduling your procedure. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easily removed. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Bring your insurance card and drivers license. If there is a co-pay, be prepared to pay it.
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MIRALAX-GATORADE Preparation Instructions for Colonoscopy
In order for the doctor to perform a colonoscopy, a bowel cleanse must be completed at home prior to the procedure. A bowel cleanout is a combination of a clear liquid diet and oral laxatives.
All of the items can be obtained at your local pharmacy. You will need to purchase:
- One 238-gram bottle of Miralax laxative.
- A small box of Dulcolax tablets. Not suppositories. You will use four.
- Two quarts or 64-oz. of Gatorade (any color except red, orange or purple).
(Diabetics may use Powerade Zero)
3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Discontinue any fiber supplements (Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, etc).
Do not take any iron pills or vitamins containing more than 15 mg of iron.
It is best to eat lightly for a few days before your exam. It makes the cleanout easier and more effective. Try to avoid overeating. Avoid whole wheat products and fibrous foods with skins, seeds, etc.
DAY BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
Follow the instructions below the day prior to your procedure:
1. Clear liquids for breakfast (Tea, coffee, juices, jello)
2. At noon (12:00 pm) take 2 Dulcolax tablets.
3. At 4:00 pm mix the entire 238-gram bottle of Miralax with two quarts (64oz) of Gatorade in a large pitcher. Stir well, and add ice. Be sure to stir the solution until the Miralax is completely dissolved. Drink an 8-oz. glass every 10 - 15 minutes until the solution is entirely gone. Remain near bathroom facilities for the remainder of the evening. (If you feel nauseated, stop for one hour - but you need to drink all within 3 hours).
4. At 8:00 PM, take the last 2 Dulcolax tablets.
5. Continue drinking clear liquids until bedtime.
6. Diabetics will need an adjustment of their medications this day. Ask your doctor.
DAY OF COLONOSCOPY
No breakfast. You must remain fasting for 6 hours before your exam. No food, drink, candy, gum, etc. You may take any important prescription medications with a small sip of water.
(Diabetic medications and blood thinners such as Coumadin require special instructions. Ask your doctor.)
Plan to arrive at your scheduled arrival time - which will be one hour before your procedure.
Bring a driver, you will not be allowed to drive home. The average visit is about two hours. Arriving late or without a driver may require cancelling and rescheduling your procedure. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easily removed. Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. Bring your insurance card and drivers license. If there is a co-pay, be prepared to pay it.
Note: CLEAR LIQUIDS are anything you can see through. This includes clear fat-free broths, bouillon, tea, coffee, Kool-Aid, sodas, juices without pulp, Jell-O, hard candies, and popsicles. Avoid red juices if possible.
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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who needs an upper endoscopy (EGD) or a colonoscopy?
An EGD may be necessary if you have a long history of heartburn, difficulty swallowing or if you have vomited blood. A colonoscopy (or some form of colon cancer screening) is recommended for everyone over the age of 50. A colonoscopy may also be necessary if you have unexplained anemia, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or blood in the stools.
2. What sort of preparation is necessary for an EGD or colonoscopy?
An EGD requires that you are fasting (without food) for 6 hours. A colonoscopy requires that you are on a liquid diet the day before and drink a solution to cleanse your colon.
3. Does a colonoscopy hurt?
No. During the procedure you will be sedated. In most cases you may not even remember having a procedure.
4. Would I be able to resume normal activities after my procedure?
Yes. We do advise that someone drives you home after the procedure because you may be drowsy. Later on that day you should be fine.
5. How long does an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy take? Do I need to take time off work?
An upper endoscopy (EGD) usually takes about 15 minutes. A colonoscopy takes about 30-45 minutes. You will only need to be off on the day of the procedure. You should be able to return to work the following day.
6. Can I eat after my procedure?
Yes, by all means. We do recommend eating something light and hot because you may have some gas and bloating after the procedure.
7. Does my insurance cover an EGD or colonoscopy?
In most cases your insurance will cover the procedure. Depending on your plan you may be required to make co-pay, to meet your deductible, or both.
8. Are there any risks or complications associated with having an EGD or colonoscopy?
The possibility of having a complication during either procedure is less than 1%. However pain, bleeding and perforation (making a hole in the colon) are listed as potential complications.
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Endoscopy Suite The Endo-Surgical Suite at Centerville Medical Center
The Endo-Surgical Suite is a fully equipped endoscopy suite with adjacent three bed recovery room designed to administer conscious sedation. It is staffed by certified endoscopy technicians, registered nurses and board certified anesthesiologists.
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