Colonoscopy in Dallas, Texas

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to check for abnormalities, detect diseases or changes inside the colon and rectum.

You may be experiencing bleeding in your anus, pain in your abdomen, unexpected weight loss and other abnormalities in your bowel, colonoscopy will help your doctor to detect the early cause of these diseases and abnormalities.

The procedure is carried with the use of a flexible tube known as colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum with a tiny camera attached to its tip which allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon.

Why you need to undergo Colonoscopy

You may need to undergo colonoscopy for different reasons. Your doctor may recommend colonoscopy to;

• To check for abnormal tissues (biopsy) and abnormal growths (polyps) – Biopsy and polyps are abnormal tissues and abnormal growths that could occur inside your colon.

Your doctor will have to recommend colonoscopy to be able to detect exactly what is wrong. If these abnormalities are not detected early and removed, it may lead to cancer.

• To check for intestinal signs and symptoms – When you are experiencing some abnormal pains in your abdomen, bleeding in your anus, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation and other certain intestinal issues.
• Screening for colon cancer – People that are 50 or older are more at risk of developing colon cancer. If you are 50 and above, your doctor may recommend undergoing colonoscopy before or every 10 years. This is to screen for the possibility of developing colon cancer.
• Accurate diagnosis and treatment – Your doctor may recommend colonoscopy to be able to diagnose and treat some abdominal infections and diseases without the need for a major operation.

How to prepare for colonoscopy procedure

Before undergoing a colonoscopy procedure, you will first need to talk with your doctor and get all the necessary information.

Typically, when you want to undergo a colonoscopy procedure you will need to;

• Follow a special diet a day before the procedure – Before undergoing colonoscopy procedure, you will need to follow a special diet a day before the procedure. This is done to clean out your bowel and colon so that there is little or no stool remaining in your intestine. The reason for this is so that your doctor can clearly see the lining of your intestine.

You won’t be allowed to eat solid food, you will be limited to drinking on clear liquids such as water and carbonated drinks. You will need to avoid red and purple liquids as they can be confused with blood during the procedure.

You may need to follow a clear liquid diet 1-3 days before the procedure. You will be allowed to drink liquids such as gelatin with lemon, lime and orange flavors, plain coffee or tea that is without cream or milk, apple juice or white grape juice. The night before the procedure, you may not be allowed to eat or drink anything.

• Undergo a bowel prep – A bowel prep is when you take a laxative to make you pass out stool. This is done to clear out your bowel and intestine.

There are different bowel preps where you will need to take different combinations of laxatives. You may be given pills or powders which are dissolved in water or clear liquids. You may need to take these laxatives over a given period of time, most especially the night and the morning before the procedure.

An enema kit may also be prescribed in rare cases.

• You will need to adjust your medications – If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or if you have taken medications that contain iron in the previous weeks or a week before the procedure, you will need to inform your doctor.

If you have taken pills such as aspirin, warfarin, dabigatran, clopidogrel, etc, you should inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have taken any kind of medications or pills before the procedure.

How to perform a colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy procedure, you will be sedated in order to feel relaxed and minimize pains. You will need to wear only a medical gown. You will need to lie down by your left side on the examination table and draw your knee towards your chest.

The doctor will then insert a colonoscope that is long enough to reach the entire length of your colon through your rectum. A tiny camera is attached to the tip of the colonoscope is connected to a monitor which send images to the monitor and allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon. The doctor will them pump air or carbon dioxide through the colonoscope into your colon. The air is to inflate the colon and provide a better view of the colon.

The doctor will then examine the entire colon for abnormalities or infections. The doctor can also insert instruments to take sample of tissues or remove polyps or biopsy.

The procedure typically takes an average of 30 – 60 minutes to complete.

After colonoscopy procedure

After the procedure, it will take about an hour for you to recover from the sedative. It is recommended that you come with a family member or someone who will drive you home after the procedure. This is because you may still feel drowsy.

You may be advised to eat special diet for a limited period of time if any abnormal tissue was removed. You may be passing out gas or feel bloated for some time after the procedure. This is normal as it helps to clear the air from your colon.

Full recovery is expected by the next day and you can go back to work the next day.

You may notice some little amount of blood in your anus after the procedure. This is normal. If in case you pass out blood or feel persistent abdominal pains, consult your doctor.

What is Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine known as colon. Colon cancer typically begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells known as benign polyps.

These benign polyps are either flat or knob-like growths formed on the lining of the large intestine. When these polyps are not removed early, they become cancerous over time. These cancerous polyps are known as colon cancer.

Colon cancer typically affects adults that are 50 years of age and above. It can also be found in younger adults with some specific medical problems.

In 2017, colon cancer was recorded to be the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. An estimated 95,520 new diagnoses are expected to occur in the United States.

However, early diagnosis, screening and treatments have reduced the death rate and improved survival rate.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Some patients with colon cancer may not show any symptoms, hence they may not know that they have it. Doctors generally recommend regular screening for older adults are people that have the risk of developing colon cancer. This is to allow early detection, prevention and treatment.

Symptoms of colon cancer include;

• Incessant weakness or fatigue
• Dramatic weight loss
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Consistent changes in stool
• Abdominal pains, bloating, excessive gas
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Incessant urges to defecate

Causes of colon cancer

The cause of colon cancer is not 100% certain. However, colon cancer develops when healthy cells in the colon start to change in their DNA. These changes are known as mutations.

In order to keep your body functioning perfectly, healthy cells grow and divide orderly. When a cell’s DNA is damaged, it becomes cancerous. The damaged cells continue to divide and accumulate which forms a tumor.

Cancerous cells grow with time, invade all normal tissues that are closed to them and destroy them.

How to prevent colon cancer

• Periodic screening – It is advised that older adults who are more prone to developing colon cancer should undergo periodic screening for colon infections. People with family history of colon cancer are also advised to go for screening. This is to allow for early detection and prevention.
• Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains – Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that are instrumental for the prevention of cancer.
• Stop smoking – Smoking causes a variety of health conditions including colon cancer. If you smoke, it is advisable to stop smoking to prevent you from developing colon cancer.
• Stop alcohol or drink moderately – Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to colon cancer. It is better to stop taking alcohol but if you must take alcohol, take in moderation.
• Exercises – Exercises is generally good for health and engaging in regular exercises can help prevent colon cancer. At least 30 minutes of daily exercising helps to boost your immune system.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce weight – Obesity could lead to colon cancer, hence if you are overweight, exercise regularly and eat healthy to reduce your weight. Reduce your intake of calories.
• Seek medical advice – If you have increased risk of developing colon cancer, discuss it with your doctor and seek his/her advice on how to prevent it.

If you have diabetes, inflammatory intestinal conditions, history of colorectal cancer or polyps, African-American, family history of colon cancer, or you are 50 years and above, you are at greater risk of developing colon cancer. You should seek medical advice on how to prevent it.

Treatment of colon cancer

Patients who have already developed colon cancer can be treated through the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery.

The treatment will depend on the type and stages of the cancer, the age of the patient, the health status and some other things that needs to be considered.

Why Colon Screening

Colon screening is recommended for people that are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer. Older adults who are 50 years and above are at greater risk of developing colon cancer and as such are advised to undergo colon screen before or on every 10 years.

Individuals with family history of colon cancer, diabetes or obesity are also at greater risk of developing colon cancer. Periodical colon screening is recommended.

Colon screening is recommended so that the doctor will know at an early stage if an individual has developed any abnormalities in the colon for early removal or treatment. This is to prevent a noncancerous abnormality/tumor from developing into a cancerous tumor. At an early stage, a noncancerous tumor can be removed or treated but when it is not removed or treated over time, it develops into a cancerous tumor.

Best Colonoscopy doctor and clinic in Dallas, Texas

Colonoscopy procedure should be done by an experienced and reliable endoscopist or a surgeon. You may find different hospitals and medical centers in Dallas but when it comes to the best colonoscopy doctor and clinic in Dallas, Dr. Prashant Kedia takes the crown.

If you are looking for the best doctor and clinic in Dallas and around Texas to undergo colonoscopy, I strongly recommend Dr. Kedia.

Dr. Prashant Kedia is a therapeutic endoscopist and gastroenterologist serving patients in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Prashant Kedia is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. He further went to complete his residency in internal medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

After completing his residency in internal medicine, he further went to complete a General Gastroenterology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai with an extra year of Advanced Endoscopy fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

He has dedicated a significant part of his life studying to be a Therapeutic Endoscopist. He has been practicing for several years and served in Dallas/Fort Worth area for over 4 years with an excellent track record.

Dr. Kedia has performed over 3000 various complex endoscopic procedures and all were successful. He was voted the best doctor in Dallas from 2016-2018 by D Magazine.

He has a good track record for performing colonoscopy procedures and all his patients are totally satisfied with his services.

Dr. Kedia will patiently listen to all your questions and provide you with the best answers. He is honest, compassionate and takes every patient as a priority.

Cost of undergoing Colonoscopy

Different factors affect the total cost of colonoscopy. These include;

• The state of health of the patient – Patients that are very ill typically needs more medical attention and requires more advanced medical facilities.
  

• Location of the clinic or hospital – The location of the clinic also determines the cost. Clinic or hospital that are located in areas where the cost of living is higher will typically charge higher.
• Type of medical center – Hospitals generally charges higher than other outpatient medical centers.
• Doctor fee – The qualification and experience of the doctor will determine the fee.
• Diagnosis fee- There are different charges for different types of diagnosis. Cancer screening, colonoscopy with a biopsy, diagnosis of symptoms, etc, are charged differently.
• Colon prep kits – The colon prep kits are additional charges.
• Sedation – The type of sedation also affects the cost
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• Facility charges – The facilities used for the procedure are also additional charges. Hospital with advanced medical facilities will charge higher.
• Other related expenses – Other miscellaneous expenses  

Average total costs of colonoscopy procedures

• The average cost of colonoscopy is $3,081
• Patients that do not have health insurance pay an average of $2,100 to $3,764.
• Patients with insurance will have to pay deductibles which could range from $0 – $1,000.

Is Colonoscopy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do cover colonoscopies, however, coverage varies from plan to plan. It is the duty of the patient to decide the personal costs related to a colonoscopy

How much an insurance provider will pay toward a colonoscopy all relies upon how the technique is coded.

Medicinal codes are utilized to depict judgments and medications and help decide expenses and repayments. A screening colonoscopy is coded and secured uniquely in contrast to an indicative colonoscopy.

A screening colonoscopy is a colonoscopy performed on an asymptomatic (no indications) patient of screening age to look at for colon polyps or disease.

Suppliers should cover screening colonoscopies as a major aspect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive human services, yet there are sure conditions that must be met.

Everybody, regardless of their history, ought to be screened beginning for the age of 50. African Americans are at a higher risk and should begin at age 45. If you have a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed to have colon malignant growth or polyps, it is essential to be screened before.

Prior to planning your screening colonoscopy, you should cause a rundown of inquiries to ask your insurance company to help decide your money related obligation.

Depending on your plan, most insurance agencies pay for the actual screening procedure. Be that as it may, if you have anesthesia or pathology, there might be cost sharing included.

This depends altogether on your individual arrangement. Regardless of whether you have no close to home or family ancestry of colon malignant growth or polyps and this is your benchmark colonoscopy, it’s imperative to get some information about restorative inclusion if a polyp is observed and should be expelled.

Keep in mind, more than 80 percent of colon disease cases are people with no family history of polyps or colon malignancy.

A demonstrative colonoscopy is a strategy that is mentioned when manifestations are available or when another screening method returns positive.

Diagnostic colonoscopies are not tended to under the Affordable Care Act, so it is basic that you call your insurance company to ask about coverage and personal costs.

Want to do colonoscopy and prevent colon cancer?