Expert Colonoscopy Screening and Treatment
Colonoscopy is the gold-standard procedure for colorectal cancer screening, early disease detection, and treatment of gastrointestinal pathology. Our board-certified gastroenterologists perform thousands of procedures with high polyp detection rates and superior patient outcomes.
We combine advanced endoscopic technique with patient comfort, making colonoscopy a tolerable and even easy experience.
Request an AppointmentWhy Colonoscopy Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the US. Yet it’s largely preventable through screening and polyp removal. Colonoscopy detects and removes precancerous polyps before they become cancer, saving lives.
Benefits of screening colonoscopy:
– Detects early-stage cancer before symptoms
– Identifies and removes precancerous polyps
– Evaluates unexplained symptoms
– Assesses inflammatory conditions
– Obtains tissue samples for diagnosis
What to Expect During Your Colonoscopy
Preparation (24 hours before)
– Clear liquid diet
– Bowel preparation with laxative solution
– Fasting 6+ hours before procedure
Procedure Day
– Check-in and informed consent
– IV placement for sedation medication
– Cardiac monitoring during procedure
– Procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes
– Recovery in monitored area (30-60 minutes)
After the Procedure
– Discharge with a responsible driver
– Detailed report of findings
– Follow-up recommendations
– Return to normal diet and activities
Advanced Polyp Detection and Removal
Our physicians use high-definition equipment and advanced techniques including:
– Wide-angle field of view for comprehensive visualization
– Enhanced imaging to detect subtle abnormalities
– Expertise in removing polyps of all sizes
– Tissue sampling for histologic diagnosis
Safety and Comfort
Colonoscopy is very safe when performed by experienced gastroenterologists. We prioritize:
– Conscious sedation for comfort and amnesia
– Careful monitoring during procedure
– Immediate management of any complications
– Clear post-procedure instructions
– Available support for any questions
Screening Guidelines
– Average-risk adults: screening beginning at age 45, repeated every 10 years
– Polyps found: repeat colonoscopy in 3-5 years depending on findings
– Family history of colorectal cancer: more frequent screening recommended
– We discuss your individual risk factors and recommendation
Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Is colonoscopy painful?
No. You receive sedation that makes you relaxed and drowsy. You won’t remember the procedure and won’t feel pain. Some patients don’t feel anything; others feel mild pressure or cramping. Serious pain is rare and immediately addressed.
What if polyps are found?
Most polyps are removed during the same procedure. Removed polyps undergo pathologic examination to determine type and cancer risk. Your physician will discuss findings and recommend follow-up timeline based on polyp characteristics.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is rapid. Most people return to normal activities the next day. Sedation effects wear off within a few hours, though we recommend not driving or making important decisions for 24 hours.
Can I be sedated?
Yes. We use conscious sedation (twilight sedation) for patient comfort. You’ll be drowsy and won’t remember the procedure. Serious complications from sedation are extremely rare.
How often do I need colonoscopy?
This depends on your risk factors and prior findings. Average-risk patients without polyps need screening every 10 years. Those with polyps need more frequent follow-up. We’ll discuss your individual recommendation.
What are the risks of colonoscopy?
Serious complications are rare (less than 1%). Potential risks include perforation (about 1 in 5,000), bleeding (usually minor), and sedation reactions. Benefits of screening far outweigh these rare risks.