Colon Health

Peace of mind is just a screening away.

A colonoscopy helps find polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. It can also identify colon and rectal cancers early, when the odds of successful treatment are highest. Colon and rectal cancer rates have increased in young and middle-aged adults.* If you’re 45 or older, ask your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.

TAKE A COLON HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor examines the inside of the large intestine, also called the colon, using a thin, flexible, lighted instrument (Colonoscope). During the procedure, biopsies may be obtained. Polyps or other tumors will be removed. We use a special sedation technique that makes your colonoscopy free from anxiety, discomfort or embarrassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• My friend had her colonoscopy done by her family doctor. Why is it so important that I have a colonoscopy performed by a board-certified gastroenterologist?

  When colonoscopy is performed by poorly-trained endoscopists or endoscopists who don't perform the procedure often, precancerous or difficult-to-identify flat lesions can be missed. In some cases, patients are subjected to repeat colonoscopies, unnecessary surgeries, or suffer complications as a result of a poorly performed colonoscopy.

  Our board-certified gastroenterologists are expert endoscopists who have undergone years of training, allowing them to provide high-quality endoscopic exams. Board certification ensures the gastroenterologist has met an exacting and rigorous standard of clinical judgment and expertise to provide quality healthcare. Our board-certified gastroenterologists exceed national standards in detecting precancerous (adenomatous) polyps and have a lower complication rate than the national average.

• When do I need my first colonoscopy?

  Screening for colonoscopies start at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history of polyps or colon cancer.

• How long does the procedure take?

  You will be at our facility about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check-in time allows for verification and completion of paperwork, nurses to obtain a medical history and perform an assessment, start an intravenous lock for medication administration, and review instructions about the procedure. Some procedures last longer than the allotted time. This may delay your scheduled time.

   

• Will I be awake for the procedure?

  You will receive medication to relax you and minimize any discomfort.

   

• Can I have a family member with me?

  We make every effort for a family member to be with you during the admission process. Family members are not allowed in the procedure room. Family members are encouraged to wait in our waiting room or if they need to leave for any reason, we will call them after the procedure is over.

   

• Will the doctor talk to me after the procedure?

  If any indications of serious illness are found, you and/or your family will be notified immediately following the procedure by the doctor. An RN will give you a preliminary report. You will have a scheduled follow-up appointment to review your procedure results.

   

• How long does it take to “wake up”?

  You are responding “awake” immediately following the procedure. You are considered impaired because of the medication you receive to relax you for up to 12 hours, so no driving or operating any mechanical equipment for 12 hours

• Where do I pick up my prep kit for the colonoscopy?

  Your prep kit can be picked up from a pharmacy of your choice.  

   

• Do I need a ride home?

  Yes, you will receive medication to help you relax, you will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

   

• Why do I need to bring my insurance cards with me?

  Anytime you have a medical appointment you should have your insurance cards. This verifies the information we have in our information systems.

   

• Is it important to bring my medications?

  Anytime you have a medical appointment you should bring a list of medications, dosages, and scheduled time you take the medication.

• Do I need to finish all of the prep for the colonoscopy?

  Yes, the gastroenterologist needs to visualize the colon. If you have not completed the prep, a residue can be left in the bowel, decreasing visibility. The procedure then has to be discontinued and rescheduled.

• Can I have a glass of wine or any alcohol after my procedure?

  No, the medications you are given for your procedure do not wear off for at least eight hours.

We’re accredited by the Joint Commission to uphold the highest standards of patient quality care and safety.

The physicians and staff at our clinic are dedicated to care of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), liver, and pancreas. Our care team includes American board-certified gastroenterologists, highly-trained nurse practitioners and endoscopy staff with many years of experience in gastroenterology and endoscopy.

You can request your screening colonoscopy at our facility with full confidence. Make your health a priority and let our team of board-certified gastroenterologists and experienced endoscopy nurses care for you during this important examination.