Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy allows us to see the entire colon. This is a popular way to screen for colon cancer, colon polyps, and other digestive disorders. We recommend that you receive a colonoscopy every 10 years, as long as your results come back normal.

Colonoscopy Recommendations

A colonoscopy is recommended for the following:

Individuals with a family history of colon cancer
Individuals with a family history of colon polyps
Anyone over the age of 40
Individuals with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms to Watch For

The following symptoms indicate that you may need a colonoscopy procedure

Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained change in bowel habits
Chronic or recurrent diarrhea or constipation

Before the Procedure

To prepare for your colonoscopy, we provide specific preparation instructions.

To get a clear and unobstructed view of the colon, it is important to cleanse the area. There are minor variations in the procedure, but many involve a laxative and clear liquid diet leading into the procedure.

It also is important that you provide us with a detailed list of all medications that you regularly take, including aspirin.

Finally, please follow all instructions given by your doctor the day before your procedure. Find more general pre-operative information in our New Patient Forms.

During the Procedure

On the day of your procedure, our staff will administer a medication to help you relax. You will then lay on your left side while we insert the colonoscope into the anus and move slowly through the rectum and into the colon.

At this point, we will inflate the large intestine so that we can clearly see the lining of the colon. Throughout the procedure, we will be looking for polyps, growths, tears, inflammation, bleeding and other signs of anything abnormal or irregular.

If we do find any of the listed items, we will take samples and remove any growths. We will then send the tissue to the lab for testing to determine the problem.

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After the Procedure

Following the procedure, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will recover from the sedation under the watchful eye of one of our nurses. It is very common to feel cramping and bloating up to an hour after the procedure is complete.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure, please call us immediately: