Looking for expert care for a colonoscopy Los Angeles? A colonoscopy refers to the examination of the colon and the end part of the small intestine using a flexible tube passed through the anus. It provides an opportunity for a visual diagnosis of the colon, biopsy (or removal) of a lesion, or to stop a bleeding lesion. A colonoscopy is also the method of choice for colon cancer screening.

A colonoscopy procedure refers to the examination of the colon and rectum and the end part of the small intestine using a flexible tube passed through the anus. It provides an opportunity for visual diagnosis, polyp removal, obtaining a tissue sample, or stopping abnormal bleeding. A colonoscopy is also the gold standard for colon cancer screening, as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

If you would like to schedule a colonoscopy in Los Angeles, please contact LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition. We offer expert care and extensive experience performing this safe and effective outpatient procedure.

Purpose of a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy procedure is recommended for both diagnostic and preventive reasons, especially for maintaining long-term digestive health.
Common reasons include evaluating or treating:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Rectal bleeding
  • A change in bowel habits
  • A detected abnormality
  • Sudden and unexplained weight loss
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Screening for colon cancer, especially in patients with a family history of colon cancer

Those who are at greater risk for colon cancer or colon problems, such as ulcerative colitis, colonic polyps, Lynch syndrome, and familial polyposis are advised to have more frequent colonoscopies.

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Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Before your colonoscopy Los Angeles procedure, you will need to fully clean out your colon. Proper preparation is essential for detecting polyps and abnormalities.

  • Prep typically takes one to two days
  • Some regimens are completed the night before
  • A clean colon improves accuracy for polyp removal and identifying early colon cancer

Your provider will give detailed instructions to ensure optimal results.

During the Colonoscopy

Before your colonoscopy procedure you will be given intra-venous fluids and placed on a monitor for your heartbeat, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. Sedatives may be given to help you relax or decrease pain. Patients will then lie down (generally on left side) while the colonoscope is passed through the end colon to the beginning of the colon (cecum), or end of the small intestine (terminal ileum). From here, the colonoscope is slowly pulled back while the doctor examines the lining of the colon.

Colonoscopy rarely causes severe pain, yet it may result in a feeling of cramping or bloating of the abdomen. The process generally takes between thirty minutes to an hour. If an abnormal area is detected then the doctor may use biopsy forceps to take a sample of the tissue, or use techniques to entirely remove the abnormal tissue, like a polyp.

After Your Colonoscopy

Following your colonoscopy, you may be kept in a recovery room until the sedative wears off. Some patients may experience minor cramping and bloating. While complications from colonoscopy are rare, bleeding may occur at the site of a biopsy or removed polyp. There is also the potential for a perforation of the colonic wall. If you experience severe abdominal pain, significant rectal bleeding, fever, or chills you should contact your doctor.

Colonoscopy Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to eat before my colonoscopy?

In order to ensure the safety of the patient, the stomach must be completely empty for the procedure. This is to eliminate risk of a patient aspirating the contents of their stomach into the lungs.

What happens if my doctor finds a polyp during my exam?

A polyp does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Polyps are removed, however, to prevent them from potentially becoming cancerous.

What should I do after my colonoscopy?

In addition to planning for someone to drive you home after the test, you should be sure to drink plenty of liquids and eat a meal to regain your energy. The type of the food that you may eat or drink will be specified on a paper after the procedure as part of the discharge instructions. The nurse will review these with you before discharge. You should also avoid alcohol and driving for 24 hours after the test. After 24 hours you can generally return to normal activities.

Contact a Los Angeles Colonoscopy Expert

If you are experiencing adverse symptoms and need a colonoscopy, please contact LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition. Call us at (310) 289-8000 or email us to set up your appointment.

Next, read about an endoscopy.