Colonoscopy Specialist

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a method of directly imaging your colon and rectum. Through this procedure, the Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC team can evaluate and diagnose many different gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
• Diverticular disease — diverticulosis, diverticulitis 

If the team identifies problems during your colonoscopy, in many cases they can perform a repair or administer therapy during the same procedure. A common example is colon polyps, which are frequently precancerous. The team can remove any polyps they discover during the procedure and then test the tissue for cancer. 

When might I need a colonoscopy?

The Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC team may recommend a colonoscopy as a colon and rectal cancer screening test. You typically start screening at age 45 if you don't have a current or past colorectal disease and you don't have a family history of colorectal disease.

If you have a family history of either polyps or colon cancer, or if you have any type of colorectal disease, the team may recommend starting colonoscopy screenings earlier.

Apart from cancer screening, a colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic test. If you're having symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or blood in stool, the team may recommend colonoscopy as a diagnostic test.

How does a colonoscopy work?

The Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC team gives you detailed directions for bowel prep ahead of your colonoscopy. Follow these instructions, which usually include a clear liquid diet and laxatives to empty your bowels, to make sure you're ready for the test. 

During a colonoscopy, you receive a short-acting anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Your provider then guides a scope — a long, bendy tube with a tiny camera inside — into your anus. 

Then, they slowly move the scope through your rectum and colon, viewing images from the camera on a monitor next to your bed.

If they need to administer treatment, like removing polyps, your provider inserts a very slim surgical tool, such as a wire loop or forceps, to remove the tissue safely without any exterior incisions. 

After your colonoscopy, you spend a short time in the recovery area until you're alert. A loved one can drive you home after that. 

Colonoscopy is a safe and comfortable procedure in the caring and highly capable hands of the Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC team, so call the office or click the provided link to schedule now.