Colonoscopy Benefits and Treatment in Dallas, TX

Introduction

Colonoscopy is a sufficient test for diagnosing and preventing colon cancer. Colonoscopy can detect signs of colorectal cancer long before symptoms develop, allowing us to treat it early on—when it’s least likely to spread or recur. That’s why we suggest it to all of our patients who are 50 years old and over.

What is a colonoscopy?

The test allows your doctor to see the inside of your colon. It can be used to diagnose or treat digestive diseases. The procedure allows your doctor to look at the lining of your colon, remove any abnormal growth, hs, or polyps, and possibly take a tissue sample (biopsy) for examination. A colonoscopy can find early signs of cancer or other diseases in their earliest stages. It’s carried out while you are awake but sedated. 

Benefits of a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is not just for colorectal cancers. 

Colonoscopy is not just for colorectal cancers. It’s also used to detect and remove non-cancerous polyps, other medical conditions, and other abnormalities such as inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulosis.

It’s effective in removing polyps.

Colonoscopies effectively detect and remove polyps, which can be a precursor to colon cancer. If a patient has one or more polyps, they are usually removed during the procedure.

It helps in testing various medical conditions.

Colonoscopy uses a small tube with a light and camera on the end to examine your colon for polyps, which are abnormal growths in the lining of your colon. Colonoscopy is also used to test for other medical conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract.

Adenomas are polyps that have been diagnosed as benign tumors on the inner lining of your colon during previous diagnosis procedures like sigmoidoscopy or barium enema x-ray tests. 

The best colon screening method

Colonoscopy is the best method for screening for colorectal cancer because it’s susceptible to finding precancerous growths, called adenomatous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancerous tumors—and it’s very accurate at finding cancers caused by high-risk genetic mutations that cause colorectal cancers more often than average cancers do.

The procedure is quick and painless. 

Colonoscopy is a process that allows your doctor to see the inside of your colon. The process is quick and painless, usually taking less than an hour.

The most common way for doctors to perform this test is by sedating you with medicine that makes you tired. Your doctor will also numb any area where he’ll inject anesthesia, so it doesn’t hurt as much when he begins inserting the scope into your rectum (i.e., anus).

The preparations method is comfortable.

Preparation for a colonoscopy is not as inadequate as you might think. You don’t have to be on a liquid diet, and there are no specific foods you can or cannot eat. However, certain foods must be avoided in the days leading up to the procedure.

The day before your procedure:

• Avoid fatty foods, such as fried chicken or steak.
• Don’t eat citrus fruits or juices such as orange juice or grapefruit juice—they can irritate your intestines. In addition, avoid spicy foods and raw vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli.

The morning of your process: 

Don’t eat & drink anything after midnight the night before your process except plain toast with jelly (no butter). Drinks containing caffeine should also be avoided (including coffee) because caffeine acts as a diuretic and causes increased urination that may flush out some medications needed for anesthesia during colonoscopy preparation.*

What are the Medical conditions that can detect colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to look inside the colon. This exam can help find and treat problems before they get worse. Colonoscopy also allows doctors to find:

• Cancer
• Polyps, which may lead to cancer
• Bleeding (hemorrhoids) or inflammation (Crohn’s disease) of the bowel
• Diverticulosis, which are pockets in the colon wall that can become inflamed or infected

How do you prepare for a Colonoscopy?

• Do not eat & drink anything after midnight the morning of your procedure.
• Take any medications with a small sip of water (unless taken on an empty stomach).
• Take a laxative the night before it.
• Shower that morning, then change into comfortable clothing (or wear hospital pajamas) for your colonoscopy.

What happens During the procedure

During a colonoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin tube with an attached camera through your rectum into your large intestine (colon). The camera gives him or her a good view of what’s happening inside your lower digestive tract and any abnormalities such as polyps or tumors. You will not feel anything during the procedure because it takes place while asleep under anesthesia.

The doctor uses the coverage to look for polyps, tumors, and other abnormalities in the lining of your colon. Various tools can be used through the scope to remove suspicious tissue or obtain a sample for further testing.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

After your process, the doctor will remove the scope and clean you up. You’ll be given instructions on what medications (if any) are okay for you to take after leaving the hospital or office where you had your colonoscopy performed. You may need to stay in a recovery room for a little while until you feel comfortable enough to leave.

It’s normal to feel tired & sore after being stretched out by a tube, so take it easy—but don’t go overboard with rest! If possible, try not to lie flat when lying down.

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?

There are many risks associated with a colonoscopy. These risks include infection, bleeding, and perforation.

Infection

You can minimize the risk of infection by taking antibiotics before the procedure.

Bleeding

You can underrate the risk of bleeding by taking blood thinners before the procedure.

Perforation

You can minimize the risk of perforation by taking pain killers before the procedure

How much does a colonoscopy cost in Dallas, TX?

The cost of a colonoscopy will differ depending on the type of colonoscopy you choose, the doctor performing it, and the facility where it takes place.

The average cost of an essential endoscopic colonoscopy screening is about $1,200 per test without insurance coverage.

Why might I need a colonoscopy?

If you’re over 50 or have a medical history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend getting a colonoscopy. It is the second leading reason of death from cancer in the United States.

Other reasons why you might need to get a colonoscopy to include:

• Polyps (growths) in your intestines
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) symptoms
• Hemorrhoids (piles) and other gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome

When will I know the results of the colonoscopy?

After your colonoscopy, you’ll be reported the findings. You can discuss this report with your doctor, family, friends, and other people who are important to you. A copy of the information will also be given to you.

Conclusion

A colonoscopy is a procedure that can help you detect cancer and other diseases of the colon. It is recommended for people over 50 years old and those with symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and change in bowel movements. Getting screened regularly is essential if you are at risk of colon cancer. If possible, schedule your appointment before summer or winter break so your family members can accompany you to support you throughout the process!

FAQS

How long does it take?

Suppose you have a colonoscopy in the hospital. In that case, it will most likely be scheduled for early morning hours so that the anesthesia used during the procedure is administered at its peak effectiveness time of day. A colonoscopy typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on how long your doctor needs to examine the entire length of your colon.

Are colonoscopies painful?

The pain from a colonoscopy is usually mild, but it could be more intense if you’re having an endoscopy.

• Preparation for the procedure
• If you have an endoscopy, your anal area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution that can cause burning. Also, a tube (stent) will be inserted into the rectum and left there for a few minutes before removal.
• Relaxation of muscles during the procedure

It’s essential to convey to your doctor if you’re experiencing any pain during or after the procedure so they can provide medication to help manage it.

What are the side effects?

Colonoscopy is a routine procedure, but it’s not without risks. Some people may have side effects after the colonoscopy that include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild cramping around the rectum
• Gas and bloating for a few days after the procedure

At what age should I start getting colonoscopies?

You should start getting colonoscopies at age 50.

If you have a medical history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend that you start getting colonoscopies at age 45.

If you have a medical history of colorectal polyps or adenomas, your doctor may recommend that you start getting colonoscopies at age 40.

How often should a colonoscopy be performed?

A colonoscopy should be performed after age 50 and every ten years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or if you have had polyps in your colon that were removed, then it is recommended that you get a colonoscopy every five years. If cancer was found during the last screening, your doctor might recommend an increased frequency of screenings to ensure early detection of any recurrence.

Can I take my medications before a colonoscopy? Is there a special diet?

You can take all of your medicines as usual. No special diet is needed before a colonoscopy, but you should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for one week before the process. You should also avoid laxatives and enemas, iron supplements for 24 hours before the process, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for 48 hours before the procedure.

What if there are abnormalities detected during colonoscopy?

You will be referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment if abnormalities are detected during your colonoscopy.

What should I expect when my colonoscopy is done?

• You will be given a sedative to relax you. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your it.
• You should expect discomfort during the procedure; however, this pain should subside once it’s over. Afterward, you’ll need someone else who lives with you at home (or an escort) to drive you home because of the sedative effects of the anesthesia used during the exam.
• The next few days after having a colonoscopy can be uncomfortable as well because of bloating caused by residual air left in your intestine during the procedure itself.

How long does it take to recover from having a colonoscopy?

Recovering from a colonoscopy is a process. The recovery time is different depending on the procedure performed and the patient, but it’s usually less than one day. Recovery times might be longer if other methods were done during your colonoscopy (such as polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection).

Is diarrhea common after a colonoscopy?

Diarrhea, or loss of bowel movements, is a common side effect of having a colonoscopy. Diarrhea can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after the procedure. Your body may be trying to flush out toxins released during the process.

If you have diarrhea after your colonoscopy and it doesn’t improve in two or three days, contact your doctor immediately.

Do you stay awake for a colonoscopy?

Patients usually don’t need to stay awake for the procedure. If you’re sedated with a sedative or general anesthesia and sleep through the exam, your doctor may suggest that you remain in bed for two hours after your colonoscopy. You can drive home after that period has passed.

Best place to get a colonoscopy in Dallas, Tx

If you are looking for the right place to get a colonoscopy, we highly recommend Dr. Prashant Kedia.

Dr. Prashant Kedia MD specializes in a wide range of gastroenterological procedures and treatments. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Prashant Kedia via kediamd.com.

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