Colonoscopy
- by Bonnie
- 2013-11-17 08:11:16
- Complications
- 2861 views
- 12 comments
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy in the near future. I was wondering if anyone with a pacemaker has had any issues with this procedure? I have a St. Jude dual lead that has been with me for one year. Thanks!
12 Comments
it's "behind" me
by Reboot1212 - 2013-11-17 09:11:12
I had the procedure last week. I've also got a St. Jude PM since December. No problems. They said they are more concerned with ICDs.
Only thing exciting...
by donr - 2013-11-17 10:11:19
...about the procedure was that they found a whopping lesion that led to a partial evisceration two days later. PM could not have cared less!
Don
Colonoscopy
by golden_snitch - 2013-11-18 02:11:43
I had one in January, and a follow-up in September this year. In January they had to remove a large polyp, and because they used cauterization for that, I had to have my pacemaker checked afterwards just to make sure that it wasn't affected. Hadn't thought of this before, so then it turned out that where I had the colonoscopy they did not have the device to check my Sorin pacemaker, they only had Medtronic etc. Had to see my cardio next day for the check. But apart from that, everything was fine.
Good luck!
Inga
Acin re: ICD
by Reboot1212 - 2013-11-19 07:11:34
Not sure why its an issue. Since I don't have an ICD , I didn't ask. But they did say its not a team big deal even if I did. Best to check with your Dr. Good luck!
ICD
by Acin - 2013-11-19 11:11:50
Why is it more concerning to have a colonscopy if you have an ICD? I have an ICD and my colonscopy was put off when I found out about my heart. January will be six months since I had my ICD and I'll need to have a colonoscopy sometime early next year.
Electrocautery
by Grateful Heart - 2013-11-20 02:11:30
Don, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something and that I was understanding it correctly. You, of course can explain it better than I but....here goes.
The concern is...when electrocautery needs to be used during surgery and you have a device, the high frequency/ high voltage can interfere with PM's or ICD's (EMI or Electromagnetic Interference).
During a colonoscopy if a polyp is found, it is removed using electrocautery and the wound is sealed at the same time like Don said.
With ICD's, it is an extra concern because if your device reads it as cardiac, it can trigger an inappropriate shock which is why the rep should use the programmer to shut off the defibrillator before surgery and then check for any changes in your device after surgery as well as turning the defibrillator function back on.
It is a good idea to bring a copy of your settings from your last interrogation report so the rep can make sure the settings are the same post procedure/ surgery. I had my first colonoscopy a little over 3 years ago and my settings were changed after the procedure by a rep.
I want to stress it is SAFE for us to have surgeries when needed. I had surgery 8 months ago (not heart related) and due for another colonoscopy very soon. Others have had surgeries as well.
It's not a big deal to some Doctors or reps.....but it's not their heart. That is not to say they don't care, but maybe not versed in PM's/ ICD's. When I tried to talk to my ortho surgeon about the rep and programming for my device, he said he does not get involved with that.
I had to really plead my case but in the long run the Anesthesiologist did listen to me so......she's a keeper.
Using a magnet is common practice in some settings but as you will read in the following articles, programming should be used.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1420917/
www.cardiacengineering.com/pacemakers-wallace.pdf
The 2nd article has been posted here before by Donr.
If you have any questions, I'm sure Don can shed more light on this (no pun intended.....ok, maybe).
Grateful Heart
Let me correct my comment...
by donr - 2013-11-20 11:11:01
...about my colonoscopy being no big deal.
Overnight, I rec'd a Pvt Msg from Grateful Heart telling me that I had confused her by my comment, since she had done some research about finding polyps & how they take them out using electrocautery (EC). There are , indeed, significant issues about mixing EC & PM/ICD's. Moreso w/ ICD's. I will let Grateful heart tell you what she learned about the risks - I will modify my comment on my colonoscopy.
Here goes. A Colonoscopy is no big deal for a PM/ICD unless they find a lesion (Polyp) and want to remove it quickly & easily (for the surgeon) using EC. They have techniques for removing polyps shaped like mushrooms with stems or flat ones like pancakes. They can use the same equipment for either.
Here's where the precautions come in. Electrocautery uses Radio Frequency(RF) electrical currents to burn through tissue, at the same time sealing the cut to prevent bleeding. When working in the colon, they place the electrical return patch on your buttocks or thigh, so the current never flows anywhere near the heart. This means that the heart is not anywhere near the path, relieving the PM/ICD & leads free from problems.
It would still be a great idea to make sure that the surgeon & anesthesiologist are aware of your PM/ICD, however ESPECIALLY if you have an ICD.
Don
Mine Was Okay
by Many Blessings - 2013-11-23 08:11:13
I just had mine done a few days ago, and didn't have any trouble with my PM, but they didn't use electrocautery.
Since I'm 100% dependent, the anesthesiologist contacted my device company (St. Jude) prior to my procedure and St. Jude sent an email to him with information, concerns, and instructions regarding cauterizing. They also emailed me a copy so I could have it as well.
I see you have a St. Jude too. If you contact them at 1-800-722-3774, they can answer all of your questions for you, and email you a copy of the cautery instructions/concerns. That will help you feel better. Also, remind them at the hospital that you have a PM when you go in for your procedure, just to be on the safe side.
Good luck!
Colonoscopy
by Bonnie - 2013-11-30 12:11:34
Thank you everyone for your comments! I had the procedure and everything went well. Sorry it took so long for me to get back with you all. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...we certainly have much to be thankful for. Bonnie
You know you're wired when...
The dogs invisible fence prevents you from leaving the backyard.
Member Quotes
My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.
colonoscopy
by Alma Annie - 2013-11-17 08:11:48
I had one last March. I told the anaesthetist about pm when I booked in and he said no worries, we are used to pacemakers. All was well. It is not a full anaesthetic, but a twilight sedation.
Alma Annie