Colonoscopy

So, You’re Having a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test that looks for changes or abnormalities in the rectum and large intestine. The procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube into the rectum. A small video camera at the end of the tube will allow a doctor to view the inside of the colon. Abnormal tissue and polyps can be removed using the scope in a colonoscopy. Tissue samples may also be taken, if required.  Colonoscopy is an extremely safe, short (usually less than 30-40 minutes) outpatient procedure that can be very useful for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of many GI diseases.

Why Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

There are a few different reasons that a physician may recommend a colonoscopy for you. One reason is if you have had polyps in the past. The doctor may order a follow-up colonoscopy to determine if there are any new polyps. This helps to reduce the risk of getting colon cancer.

Sometimes you may be given a colonoscopy to check for causes of things like chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

You may also be asked to undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. This is typically done if you are 50 or older. You may be required to have a colonoscopy every decade or so to continue screening. In some cases, this may need to be more frequent.  When used as a colon cancer prevention method, colonoscopy can find potentially precancerous growths called polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. Having a colonoscopy at the age of 50 in average risk patients has been shown to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. There are times patients will have absolutely no symptoms at all and polyps, even cancer, can be found during colonoscopy.  This is why it is an important screening tool.

How Should I Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Before you can get a colonoscopy, you first need to empty your colon. Anything lingering in the colon can obscure the doctor’s view during the exam. To ensure the colon is empty, your doctor may ask you to do the following:

• Adhere to a specific diet for 24 hours before the exam – You may be asked to avoid solid foods. You will also likely be asked only to drink clear liquids. You will also be asked not to eat or drink for at least eight hours before the exam.
• Take a pill or liquid laxative – Your doctor may recommend a laxative for the night before the colonoscopy. In some cases, you may be instructed to use the laxative the night before as well as the morning of the actual procedure.
• Adjusting medications – In some cases, you may need your medicines changed for the week before an exam. This is most often true if you suffer from heart problems or diabetes.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

You will likely wear a gown during your colonoscopy.  You will also be sedated for the procedure so that you will not remember any part of the actual procedure.

The exam will begin with you on your side on the exam table, typically with your knees pulled up toward your chest. After you are completely asleep, the physician will insert the colonoscope into your rectum. The scope has a light and a small tube that the doctor can use to deliver air into the colon. Once the colon is inflated, the doctor will have a better view to look at the colon lining.

There is a video camera on the tip of the colonoscope, which is used to send images to a monitor. This lets your doctor examine the inside of the colon. They may also use instruments to take tissue samples or remove polyps. The entire process can take anywhere from about 20 minutes to an hour.

How much does a colonoscopy cost in Dallas, TX?

The cost of Colonoscopy in Dallas ranges from $1,600 to $ 2600. The cost depends on a number of factors such as the type of facility where the procedure was done, the anesthesia fee, surgeons fee and other related expenses.

How much does an Upper Endoscopy or EGD cost in Dallas, TX?

The cost of Upper Endoscopy in Dallas ranges from $1,700 to $2,250

Who is eligible for a colonoscopy?

People with high risks of colorectal cancer need to undergo colorectal cancer screening first to be eligible for a colonoscopy procedure. 

If you have any of the following conditions, you may need to undergo colorectal screening before the age of 45-50.

• You have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• You have a personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease
• You have a history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic region from prior treatment of cancer
• You have a family history of hereditary colon cancer syndrome
• You have gastrointestinal symptoms
• You have a personal history of adenoma
• You currently have symptoms of colorectal cancer such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pains, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, persistent changes in bowel habits.

If you undergo screening for any of the conditions and your doctor diagnosed that you have colorectal cancer, then you are eligible for a colonoscopy.

You may not be medically fit to undergo colonoscopy if you are in poor health. You need to speak with your doctor in such situation. 

How do I schedule a colonoscopy appointment?

To schedule a colonoscopy appointment, you will likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor so that he or she will appropriately order the procedure.

A colonoscopy procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of conditions of the gastrointestinal system. 

To schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, you will need to call your doctor’s office to schedule the appointment. You can also schedule an appointment online through your doctor’s website or portal.

If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, you can call the customer care or help desk so they can refer you to a doctor and also help you by booking an appointment. 

How long does it take to get a colonoscopy appointment at Kedia Md Office?

To book an appointment at the Kedia MD office, you can simply call them via the customer care line which is +214-941-6891. They are available from Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm each day. It is free to call this number and your appointment will be booked in a few minutes. 

You can also fill up the contact form with your name, email, phone number, and your message to book an appointment.

What happens after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, the doctor will usually give the patient a report of their findings. If any polyps or other abnormal growths are found, the doctor will usually recommend a course of treatment.

Your doctor will likely give you a list of instructions to follow after your procedure. These instructions may include drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high-fiber diet, and avoiding strenuous activity. You may also be asked to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Results of the colonoscopy procedure

The results of the colonoscopy procedure showed that the patient’s colon was healthy and free of any abnormalities. The doctor removed a small polyp during the process, and the patient is now recovering well.

Tips for Making Colonoscopy Prep More Tolerable

Stay hydrated

Plenty of fluids are essential for keeping your body healthy and your colon clean. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water or other clear liquids every day leading up to your colonoscopy.

Add fiber to your diet

A high-fiber diet helps keep things moving through your digestive system, making colonoscopy prep simpler. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the days before your procedure.

Avoid constipating foods

Foods high in fat and low in fiber can contribute to constipation, making colonoscopy prep more difficult—guide clear of processed foods, red meat, and dairy days before your colon.

Advantages of a colonoscopy

There are several advantages of having a colonoscopy, including:

• Early detection of cancer
• The ability to treat conditions immediately
• Avoidance of more invasive procedures, such as surgery
• Minimal discomfort and side effects
• Colonoscopies are generally safe and have a very low

Disadvantages of a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an essential medical procedure that can help detect and treat various colon conditions. However, there are also some disadvantages to this procedure that patients should be aware of. 

These include the 

• Potential for complications, 
• The discomfort associated with the procedure,
• Perforation of the colon
• Infection. 
• Bleeding can occur during or after the procedure. 

How much of your body is exposed during a colonoscopy?

Most people are only told from the waist down. This means that your upper body, including your chest and back, will be covered with a sheet or blanket during the procedure.

Are colonoscopies painful?

Various factors can affect how much pain a person may experience during a colonoscopy. However, most people report feeling only minor discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, the use of sedatives during a colonoscopy can help to minimize any potential pain further.

What can a colonoscopy detect?

A colonoscopy is a medical method that can be used to detect various conditions, including cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities.

How long will it take to recover from a colonoscopy?

It depends on a few factors, including the person’s overall health, the sedation used during the procedure, and how long the process itself takes. In general, most people will be able to go home and resume normal activities within a few hours after the procedure.

Are there alternatives to colonoscopies?

There are several alternatives to colonoscopies. These include barium enemas, sigmoidoscopies, and CT colonography.

Colonoscopy Doctor Dallas | Colon Cancer screening Dallas, Tx

Are you interested in learning more about colonoscopy or other treatment options? We invite you to contact us to learn more. Dr. Prashant Kedia is a therapeutic endoscopist and gastroenterologist serving patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. Call today to schedule an appointment at (214) 941-6891.

At what age should you have a colonoscopy, and how often should you have it?

Colonoscopy screening is medically recommended for people who are at risk of colon cancer. Older people who are 50 years and above are at risk of colon cancer. They should have colonoscopy screening at age 50 and above. Black Americans (both men and women), and people with a family history of colon cancer are generally at higher risk of colon cancer.

Such people should have colonoscopy screening by age 45 or earlier. Colonoscopy screening should be done at least once every 10 years from the first screening.

At what age should you get your first colonoscopy?

Although colorectal cancer may occur at any age, the chances of developing colorectal cancer may increase significantly after the age of 45. About 95% of all cases of colorectal cancers occur in patients that are age 45 or older. It is medically recommended to get your first colonoscopy at the age of 45, especially if you’re at higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Should I get a colonoscopy at age 30?

Not all colon polyps turn into cancer, and even if they do, it takes years for a polyp to turn cancerous. A polyp may not turn cancerous not until after the age of 45. You are not too young to get a colonoscopy, especially if you’re at a higher risk of colon cancer, such as you have a family history of colon cancer.

The medically recommended age to get a colonoscopy is 45 years and above. If you have a family history of colon cancer or there are other factors that increase your risk of colon cancer, you can get a colonoscopy at any age.

What are the signs that you should have a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is an effective procedure to screen for colon cancer. Noncancerous polyps in your colon can turn cancerous over time if they are not removed on time. During colonoscopy, these noncancerous polyps are removed if they are found in the colon.

There are a number of warning signs and symptoms that can indicate the possibility of having colorectal cancer. You may need to have a colonoscopy if you have any of these signs and symptoms.

Many of these signs or symptoms could be signals of other, less serious medical issues. However, it is better to be very sure by undergoing colonoscopy screening.

Below are the signs that you should have colonoscopy:

• Blood in stools
• Abdominal pains
• Bloating
• Frequent narrow or thin stools
• Chronic fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Change in bowel habits
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps

Do you need a colonoscopy after age 70?

Colonoscopy is recommended for people between the age of 45 and 75. People that are age 75 to 85 may have colonoscopy on a case-to-case basis. Colonoscopy screening is medically not recommended after the age of 85. At age 70, you are still medically cleared to have a colonoscopy.

Why you shouldn’t get a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure, but also with some risks. Older people experience greater risks than younger people. The risks associated with colonoscopy include tears in the colon, heavy bleeding, inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon, severe abdominal pain, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Inform your doctor if you’re on certain medications, especially blood-thinning medications before undergoing colonoscopy. Older people who are age 75 and above are not medically cleared to undergo colonoscopy due to higher risks.

Is there an alternative to having a colonoscopy?

Though colonoscopy provides a more accurate result, there are alternatives to colonoscopy. If you are afraid of the colonoscopy procedure, you can undergo any of the alternatives. In some cases, your doctor may still ask you to understand a colonoscopy screening to be very sure of the result.

Colonoscopy alternatives include:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used as the first line of colon cancer screening test in most countries of the world. This test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may be an early sign of colon cancer.

If there is hidden blood in your stool, the test is positive. You are advised to also go for a colonoscopy if the FIT test is positive. If there is no blood in your stool, the FIT test is negative. You will need to repeat the test a year later.

FIT is not 100% accurate. A single FIT test detects about 73 percent of colon cancers. You need to undergo the test every year. Undergoing 10 screenings over 10 years is just as good as having one colonoscopy every 10 years. The advantage of this test is that there are no risks. You also don’t need to take any medications or follow a dietary plan before doing the test.

Stool DNA Test

A stool DNA test is an alternative to colonoscopy. The aim of the test is to look for blood and abnormal DNA in your stool that may indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous polyps. This is because colorectal cancer or polyp cells often have DNA mutations in certain genes. The cells with these mutations often get into the colon which are picked up as your stool passes through your colon.

You will need a colonoscopy to remove any cancer or polyps if the test comes out positive. Your doctor may also advise that you undergo a colonoscopy if your test is negative. This test is done once every 3 years. You don’t need to take any special medications or follow a dietary plan to do this test.

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but examines only your sigmoid colon instead of the entire colon. The last third of your colon very close to your rectum is known as sigmoid colon. The rectum connects the sigmoid colon with the anus.

During a sigmoidoscopy, a flexible tube known as a sigmoidoscope is passed through your rectum to your sigmoid colon. Your doctor is able to look inside your sigmoid colon and examine it for the presence of polyps and abnormal cells. Preparations for a sigmoidoscopy are similar to the preparations for a colonoscopy. It is recommended to have this test every 5 years.

CT or Virtual colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonoscopy is used to identify abnormalities in your colon. Images of the inside of your colon are taken from outside your body using CT scan. After the scan, a computer then combines the images of your colon to produce 2-D and 3-D interior views.

The test does not require sedation; hence it can be painful. The colon will first be inflated with gas to expand it and provide a better view. Preparations for a CT colonoscopy are similar to the regular colonoscopy. If polyps or other abnormalities are found, you will need to undergo a regular colonoscopy so that the polyps or abnormalities can be removed.

What foods cause polyps in the colon?

Foods that cause polyps in the colon include fatty foods, such as fried foods, red meat, and processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs.

Can I avoid a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is generally recommended for people that are 45 and above. If you don’t want to undergo colonoscopy, you can opt for alternatives such as fecal immunochemical test, stool DNA test, sigmoidoscopy, or CT colonoscopy.

Is the poop test as good as a colonoscopy?

Stool DNA stool test is less sensitive and less accurate than colonoscopy at detecting precancerous polyps. In most cases, your doctor may ask you to undergo a colonoscopy even after a Stool DNA test for better accuracy of results. A stool DNA test can show a false-positive or false-negative result.

The accuracy of a stool test is between 75% and 79%. Colonoscopy is the most accurate test to check for precancerous polyps or any other abnormalities in the colon. The accuracy of a colonoscopy test is between 95% to 100%.

Are you awake during a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, your doctor will sedate you through an IV line to make you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. You will most likely be awake throughout the procedure.

What is the best thing to eat after a colonoscopy?

After a colonoscopy, you will need to eat soft foods in the first few days. Some examples of foods that you can eat include Jell-O, popsicles, pudding, mashed or baked potato, white bread or toast, smooth nut butter, soft white fish, and apple butter.

Is colonoscopy worth the risk?

Colonoscopy screening is a highly effective screening to check for polyps and other abnormalities. Early detection of precancerous polyps can help prevent colon cancer and rectal cancer. Colonoscopy is very safe, but with some associated risks. Colonoscopy is completely worth the risk because it helps to prevent more serious life-threatening conditions.

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?   

    

The risks of colonoscopy include:

• Bleeding
• Perforated intestine
• Post-polypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome (a rare condition that causes severe abdominal pain, rapid heart rate, and fever)
• Adverse reaction to anesthetic
• Infection
• Severe abdominal pain

Who should not get a colonoscopy?

You shouldn’t get a colonoscopy if you are 85 years old or older. If you are between the ages of 75-85, you may only be allowed to get a colonoscopy if your doctor orders it.

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