A colonoscopy is an invaluable diagnostic tool, enabling the expert gastroenterologist at Stomach Pain NY in Midtown East, New York City, to view the tissues inside your colon and rectum without needing to perform invasive surgery. Colonoscopy screening is also vital in the early detection of colorectal cancers and removal of precancerous polyps. Call Stomach Pain NY today to arrange a screening, or schedule an appointment using the online booking form.
Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and, in some instances, treat conditions affecting your colon or large intestine. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that provides a clear picture of any abnormalities within the colon and rectum.
The endoscope used in carrying out a colonoscopy is a slim, flexible tube that has a camera at one end. When you undergo a colonoscopy at Stomach Pain NY, your provider gently inserts the endoscope into your rectum and views the images the camera sends back on a monitor screen.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
You may need a colonoscopy to determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Irregular bowel movements
- Bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract
- Chronic diarrhea
A colonoscopy is a better diagnostic tool than an X-ray for identifying conditions such as ulcers and inflammation, and it’s a vital method of screening for early signs of colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, your provider at Stomach Pain NY can locate and remove any polyps, small growths in the colon that can turn cancerous in some patients. By removing the polyps, it’s possible to prevent colon cancer, which is still a leading cause of death in the United States.
A colonoscopy is also useful for carrying out other procedures, for example, stretching narrowed areas in the colon, and treating lower gastrointestinal bleeding. If necessary, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken during the colonoscopy for testing.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
Before you undergo a colonoscopy, you need to take the laxatives given to you at Stomach Pain NY so that your bowels are empty. You won’t be able to eat the day before the procedure, but you should drink water until midnight the day before your colonoscopy to keep yourself hydrated.
You get a sedative to help you relax, but as there are no surgical incisions involved in a colonoscopy, you won’t need a general anesthetic. You may be aware of feelings such as pressure, cramping, or bloating during the procedure, but these should be mild and soon wear off.
A colonoscopy can take from 15-60 minutes, depending on why you’re undergoing the procedure. You should be able to discuss the results of your colonoscopy with your provider at Stomach Pain NY before going home, although if you have a biopsy, it can take a couple of days for your results to get back from the lab.
To arrange an appointment at Stomach Pain NY, call the clinic today, or book an appointment online.