8
q
your health
IT’S
a procedure that can literally
prevent cancer, yet many people
put o having a colonoscopy. For
some, it’s the fear of the unknown
that brings on hesitation. Others
consider it a topic that is too
embarrassing or frightening to even
bring up.
e medical professionals at
the Aspen Surgery Center on the
campus of Simi Valley Hospital know
that having a colonoscopy can be
challenging, and they’re prepared to
make it the best possible experience
for their patients.
“It’s o en scary and uncomfortable
for people to come in for a GI
(gastrointestinal) procedure,” said
Jeanine Maurer, director of the
Aspen Surgery Center. “We try to
make it as painless and e cient as
possible, so that patients have their
procedure and then return home
as quickly as is safe for them.”
In 2013, the Aspen Surgery
Center debuted a spacious new
endoscopy center for upper and
lower GI procedures, including
colonoscopy, exible sigmoidoscopy,
EGD and other procedures. e
facility features two endoscopy
suites, a recovery room and a
dedicated processing room for
the scopes used in the procedures
in order to minimize the risk of
cross-contamination.
The American Cancer Society
recommends
that, beginning at age 50, men and women at average risk
for developing colorectal cancer should have a screening
exam. Experts who see hundreds of facilities a year rate
Aspen Surgery Center among the best around. If you’d like
to schedule your colonoscopy there, call
805-955-8160
and request the names of local physicians who perform
colonoscopies at the center.
Surgery center strives to take the anxiety out of colonoscopy
Fear no more
Unlike many endoscopy facilities,
the Aspen Surgery Center has full
anesthesia machines available, as
well as emergency equipment—all in
an environment that is made to be as
peaceful as possible.
“Our focus is on the comfort and
safety of our patients,” Maurer said.
“We want to make the colonoscopy
experience as minimally disruptive
and invasive as we possibly can—
both physically and psychologically.”
“I cover close to 100+ accounts
and genuinely felt today that if I needed
a colonoscopy myself, I’d like to get it done
at Aspen Surgery Center.”
—Dave Garner, endoscopy support specialist
“When the time comes for me to
have a GI procedure done in the coming
years, your facility is now on the top of my list.”
—Je Harris, GI technical specialist
