Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery is a procedure used to screen for changes in your colon and rectum, such as polyps and cancer. Your specialist inserts a long, flexible tube with a video camera into your rectum to view the inside of your colon and screen for potential problems. During the colonoscopy, your surgeon can also remove abnormal tissues.

Screening colonoscopy

A screening colonoscopy is a routine procedure where your specialist examines your entire colon to look for signs of cancer. You might need to begin screening colonoscopies at age 45 if you have an average risk of developing colon cancer. 

Diagnostic colonoscopy

Diagnostic colonoscopies are appropriate if you have symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder (diarrhea, pain, bleeding, etc.) to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and detect potential concerns.

Virtual colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopies use imaging, often CT scanning, as a less-invasive way to screen for colon cancer. 

Why are colonoscopies performed?

Colonoscopies are a common screening tool for colon cancer, particularly if you’re 45 or older. They can also investigate potential causes of:

• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic diarrhea
• Other alarming gastrointestinal symptoms

Colonoscopies can screen for polyps (tiny intestinal growths), remove objects in your colon, or insert devices — such as stents. 

How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?

It’s highly important to follow your specialist’s instructions to prepare for a colonoscopy. You must clean out your colon by following a special diet (no solid foods) the day before and taking a laxative the night before and the morning of the scheduled procedure. You may also need to adjust your medication dosages or stop taking certain medicines. 

What happens during a colonoscopy?

You will change into a gown before the procedure and receive sedation with pain medication to relax you and optimize comfort. 

Your provider inserts a tube into your rectum while you lie on your side on a comfortable exam table with your knees toward your chest. The tube contains a light and camera, allowing your provider to create internal images of your colon on an external monitor. 

Your specialist might also take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps during the procedure, which often lasts about 30-60 minutes. 

What can I expect afterward?

After a colonoscopy, you must have someone drive you home, as it takes a while for the effects of the sedative to fully wear off. You might experience bloating or pass gas for several hours after the procedure and pass some blood during your first bowel movement. 

The Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery team discusses the results and determines if you need additional diagnostic testing or treatment. If they don’t find any normalities, your specialist will let you know when to schedule your next screening colonoscopy. 

Schedule a colonoscopy at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.