When it comes to your health, your colonoscopy can’t wait. Find out what a colonoscopy is used for and what to expect before, during, and after a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy prevents colon cancer. It is a routine part of preventive care to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms like rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. A colonoscopy is a valuable tool to spot irregularities in the colon and is critical in identifying polyps, abnormal growth, and colon cancer.
Our team of physicians are skilled in performing diagnostic and screening colonoscopies to diagnose, treat, and prevent many forms of disease. We see you, and your needs first to deliver the care that’s specific to you.
When you undergo a colonoscopy by an AHN physician, you are in experienced hands. Each one of our physicians are highly skilled and are board certified in their respective specialty. In addition to extensive training and hands-on experience, any AHN physician who performs a screening colonoscopy is evaluated, and scored every six months on a series of performance measures to ensure they are meeting or exceeding strict standards and providing the most thorough colon cancer screenings.
Many conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, require a multidisciplinary care team. This approach ensures information sharing and cross-functional treatment. Our team includes expertise from multiple areas of medicine who all work together alongside AHNs gastroenterologists (digestive disease specialists), cancer specialists, and others to provide the most comprehensive care. This team approach ensures we address every way a condition may affect your health.
If your colonoscopy detects disease, our specialists have many years of experience treating complex conditions. You can trust we have the expertise to care for the most difficult-to-treat conditions that affect the colon.
For patients who cannot undergo a colonoscopy, we do offer other alternatives as a first step in colon cancer screening including virtual colonoscopy. This is performed with tools like a CT-Scan, which uses advanced imaging to clearly see inside the colon from outside your body. If polyps are found, then the traditional colonoscopy is performed to remove these polyps.
Other options include using fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which looks for blood in the stool or atypical DNA in the stool. Stool-based tests are alternate screening options for some patients. Having these options available to our team helps offer you a higher level of care.
We offer colonoscopies at several of our hospital and outpatient locations in the tri-state area. You can choose the spot that’s most convenient for you.
A colonoscopy can prevent cancer from developing because doctors can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Colorectal cancer screenings are highly effective at detecting early-stage colorectal cancer. Regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of dying from this disease. If everyone got their recommended colonoscopy, 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented.
Learn more about the symptoms and screening for cancers in the colorectal area including:
If you have had colorectal cancer before, your regular colonoscopy screenings can monitor this area if the cancer or polyps return.
Polyps are growths on the colon lining that can become cancerous over time. During a colonoscopy or polypectomy, polyps can be removed, preventing them from developing into cancer. During an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), larger polyps or early cancers can be removed. Our team of expert doctors also offer advanced polyp resection procedures like endoscopic sub mucosal dissection and endoscopic full thickness resection.
Colonoscopies are not just for cancer screening. The procedure can help diagnose or treat other issues in your colorectal area. Biopsies, for example, can be done post colonoscopy to take a small tissue sample for further examination. Colonoscopies can also help identify:
While it might seem daunting, proper preparation can make the experience smoother and more comfortable. Here's a breakdown of the process.
For this procedure to be accurate, your colon must be empty and clean. You'll need to follow a special diet, usually a clear liquid diet, and take laxatives to cleanse your colon before the procedure. If your colonoscopy prep is not done correctly, you’ll need to reschedule your procedure.
First, you’ll take a prescription bowel cleanse to clean out your colon the day before your colonoscopy. Your doctor may recommend an advanced two-day prep in certain situations. Make sure you follow all instructions provided by your doctor’s office and tell your doctor if you take any medications. Some medications might need to be changed prior to this procedure.
Your colonoscopy will most likely follow these steps:
While you’re sedated, your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope through your rectum into the colon. The colonoscope has a camera and a light at the end, allowing the doctor to see the inside of your colon. The doctor will carefully examine the lining of your colon for any abnormalities, such as polyps, ulcers, or inflammation. If any suspicious areas are found, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken for further examination.
Your doctor might find polyps during your colonoscopy, and they will most likely remove them during the procedure. Polyps are benign growths in the lining of your bowel that can become cancerous if they’re not removed. If polyps are found, your doctor will let you know when you need another colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is not painful. Most colonoscopies are performed with IV (intravenous) sedation or “twilight sedation,” a mild anesthesia where you’re very drowsy, but comfortable, and can still breathe on your own. This type of sedation has a mild amnesiac effect, so you won’t remember the procedure. Your doctor will discuss what type of sedation is right for you.
Yes, a colonoscopy is generally a very safe procedure. All medical procedures have a small amount of risk and potential complications. Colonoscopy risks include infection, bleeding, or a perforation (hole) in the bowel. These risks are rare. Your doctor will discuss this with you in detail before you receive your colonoscopy and is happy to talk through any concerns or worries you may have.
You’ll be monitored until your sedation wears off. You might experience some mild cramping or bloating because of the air that entered your colon during the procedure. Your doctor will go over your results. If you received a biopsy, you may have to wait a few days for the results. Because of the sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Our team is available to answer your questions anytime beyond your clinic visit. Care is a phone call away. Locations include:
