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A colonoscopy is a routine exam, but if you’ve never had one before, you may feel a little anxious. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after your colonoscopy can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized instrument to examine the lining of your large intestine. During the procedure, your gastroenterologist can also remove polyps or take tissue samples for further evaluation. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it can detect changes and allow doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous.
At Stoneleigh Medical Group in Brewster, Jefferson Valley, Pawling, and Carmel, New York, our team of gastroenterologists and primary care doctors works together to help you get the health screenings and care you need to stay healthy.
Here's what you can expect during your first colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy allows gastroenterologists to closely examine the inside of your large intestine. In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, the procedure can help evaluate certain gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
We may recommend a colonoscopy if you have concerning symptoms such as:
We explain the need for your colonoscopy during your evaluation after reviewing your symptoms and family health history.
Before your colonoscopy, you receive detailed instructions on how to prepare. For many people, the preparation is the most anxiety-provoking part of the process.
Preparation usually involves temporarily changing your diet and taking a prescribed laxative to empty your colon. This step is essential because a clean colon allows your gastroenterologist to clearly see the intestinal lining and identify any abnormalities.
Your doctor provides specific instructions about your medications, including whether you need to temporarily adjust or stop certain medications or supplements. The day before your procedure, you follow a clear liquid diet and then stop eating and drinking at a set time.
You begin the bowel-cleaning process according to the preparation protocol. This may involve drinking a specialized solution over a set period to thoroughly clean the stool from your colon.
A colonoscopy is done at our outpatient endoscopy center. After changing into a gown and getting on the procedure table, we administer medication to help you relax and remain comfortable.
During the procedure, our gastroenterologist gently guides a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope through the rectum and into the colon. The colonoscope has a small camera and light that allow us to view the lining of your large intestine in real time.
We may remove polyps and take samples of any abnormal tissue during your colonoscopy and send them to a lab.
Once the examination is complete, you go to the recovery area where the team monitors you as the effects of the medication wear off.
You remain in the recovery room for a period of time after your colonoscopy. Because sedation can leave you feeling groggy, you need someone to drive you home, and you should plan to take the rest of the day off.
Our gastroenterologist reviews the preliminary findings with you before you leave, including whether any polyps or other abnormalities were found. If tissue was taken, the final results take time to get back to us, and we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results or the need for more testing.
If your colonoscopy is normal and you’re at average risk of colon cancer, we may recommend repeating the screening every 10 years. However, you may need more frequent screenings if we find polyps or you have risk factors like a personal or family history of colon cancer.
The preparation for a colonoscopy may seem daunting, but the procedure itself is generally quick and done with medication to help you feel comfortable. Most importantly, a colonoscopy can provide valuable information about your digestive health and help detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.
If it’s time for your colonoscopy, let us help you get the care and guidance you need to feel confident and comfortable. Call us today or request an appointment online.
