UF Health Shands Endoscopy Suite

We are pleased that you have chosen the UF Health Shands Endoscopy Suite for your healthcare needs.

The medical team

A team of highly skilled UF gastroenterologists and physician assistants, nurses and staff and community anesthesiologists with specialized training in GI procedures combine their expertise to provide patients with excellent medical care.

Nationally and internationally renowned UF gastroeneterologists perform endoscopic procedures for patients suffering from a variety of complex gastrointestinal disorders and digestive complaints.

Men and women over the age of 50 should have a screening colonoscopy to ensure any early signs of colon cancer are detected and, if possible, removed during their colonoscopy, which can avoid surgery and save lives.

Check-in

Check in to Admissions is located directly inside the main lobby of South Tower, left of the registration desk. Once seen by admissions, they will direct you to the GI reception desk on the second floor.

What patients should expect

Patients are seen by referral. A healthcare professional who would like to refer patients for endoscopic procedures can refer them to the UF Health Shands Endoscopy Suite by fax. Appointment information will then be mailed to the patient's home address.

Patients will be provided procedure-specific instructions to follow for the days prior to their procedure regarding eating, drinking and taking certain medications. It is important that patients follow these instructions carefully and call the UF health Shands Endoscopy Suite with any questions.

Most patients are provided monitored anesthesia care (MAC) to keep them comfortable throughout their procedure. This type of anesthesia uses sedatives and other agents that leave patients less groggy after their procedures.

Because of the sedation used for the procedures, patients must have someone drive them home to ensure safety. A family member or friend can wait comfortably for the patient in the waiting room.

Procedure results

The gastroenterologists review the procedure results and answer questions about the procedure or individual care before patients leave. The referring provider will be notified of the results to review with the patient in more detail.

After the procedure, the patient will be sent home with a copy of the endoscopy report. Another copy of the report will be sent to the referring provider. Pathology results will be communicated to the patient and the referring physician by the gastroenterologist performing the procedure within 5-10 business days.

Southeastern Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Southeastern Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (SECIBD) at the University of Florida and the Gainesville VA Medical Center is dedicated to the study and treatment of Celiac Sprue, Crohn’s Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.