Colonoscopy in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a detailed endoscopic examination where a flexible, slender tube equipped with a camera and light, known as a "scope," is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. This allows the physician to closely inspect the inner lining of the colon. The procedure is utilized to identify the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, or unusual findings in x-rays.
For individuals who show no symptoms (asymptomatic), a colonoscopy may be recommended starting at age 45 or earlier based on medical history, as a preventive measure against colon cancer and to identify any polyps. It is the sole method of colorectal cancer prevention. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Washington Gastroenterology are specialists who perform these examinations. For more information or to schedule an exam, please contact a location in Washington near you.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are considered the most effective method for preventing colon cancer, making them essential for those over 45 or those at elevated risk for the disease. Regular screening through a colonoscopy provides numerous benefits to both gastrointestinal and overall health. Key advantages of undergoing colonoscopy exams include:
- Early detection of the initial signs of colon and rectal cancer.
- Ability to detect and remove abnormal growths that could develop into cancer.
- Identification of other gastrointestinal conditions such as diverticulosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Recognition as the most effective method for screening and preventing colon and rectal cancer.
- Potential to save lives through early detection and treatment.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology, these screenings are now conducted more quickly, comfortably, and accurately than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
Before your colonoscopy, you will receive detailed instructions from your Washington Gastroenterology doctor about the bowel preparation required to clear your colon. This usually includes adhering to a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and taking prescribed laxatives to ensure a thorough cleanse. It's critical to follow these instructions carefully. You will also receive guidelines regarding your current medications. Typically, you will continue your medications as normal, but special instructions may be provided for those on blood thinners (like Coumadin, warfarin, Plavix, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories) or for diabetic patients. Remember, no food or drink is permitted after midnight before your procedure, except for necessary medications.
Plan to arrive at the Washington Gastroenterology endoscopy center 1 to 1.5 hours before your scheduled exam time. This allows sufficient time for registration, completing any necessary paperwork, and pre-procedure preparations. Upon arrival, you will change into a medical gown, and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm to administer sedation. Monitoring equipment will also be connected to track your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation throughout the procedure.
In the exam room, you will be positioned on your left side on the examination table. Sedation will be administered incrementally to ensure it is tailored to your specific needs and safety. Once you are adequately sedated, the doctor will conduct a rectal examination before the colonoscope is inserted into your rectum. The scope will be carefully maneuvered through your colon up to the junction of the small bowel. A small amount of air will be introduced via the scope to expand the colon and improve visibility. The scope can also wash and suction out any residual fluid left after the bowel preparation.
The procedure may involve taking biopsies, removing polyps, or controlling any bleeding, depending on what is found during the examination. Towards the end of the procedure, the introduced air and any fluids will be suctioned from the colon. The entire procedure typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the findings and any interventions required.
When will I get my colonoscopy results?
Once your colonoscopy is complete, you'll be moved to a recovery area where staff will monitor you as the effects of the sedation diminish. The specific type and amount of sedation used, along with how your body responds, will determine the speed of your recovery. Typically, patients are alert and ready to be discharged within 45 to 60 minutes.
Driving is not permitted for the remainder of the day following your procedure, so you will need to arrange transportation home. You will also be advised to avoid working, signing any significant documents, or engaging in heavy physical activities for the rest of the day. Although most individuals can resume normal eating and drinking shortly after leaving the endoscopy unit, you will receive tailored instructions regarding activities, diet, and medication use before you leave.
Your doctor or a nurse will review the preliminary findings of your colonoscopy with you post-procedure. Due to the sedative effects, you may not recall the details of this discussion, so it is advisable to have someone accompany you who can also receive this information. A written summary of the findings will be provided to you at discharge, and any biopsy results are typically communicated within a week.
Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?
The choice of alternatives to a colonoscopy largely depends on the underlying reason for the examination. Generally, a colonoscopy is the most thorough method available for diagnosing and addressing abnormalities in the colon and is the only proactive measure against colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there are other imaging techniques like barium enemas and virtual CT scans that can assess the colon. These methods are purely diagnostic and any anomalies found would typically require either a colonoscopy or surgical intervention for treatment.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is generally recognized as a very safe procedure, with complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. These complications are seldom life-threatening but may require hospitalization and potentially surgery if they occur. Before the procedure begins, a consent form detailing all potential risks will be reviewed with you by the nursing staff, and any questions or concerns can be addressed with your physician.
Adverse reactions to sedation may occur, including allergic reactions, respiratory difficulties, cardiovascular effects, and irritation at the injection site.
Bleeding may also happen during biopsies or polyp removal; significant bleeding requiring a blood transfusion or further hospital care is rare, but bleeding could appear during the procedure or up to two weeks afterward if a polyp is removed.
Another potential risk is the perforation or puncture of the colon, which might be noticed during the exam or may not become evident until later. Such a complication usually requires surgical intervention and hospitalization, although it is not common.
It is crucial to immediately contact your doctor if you experience any post-procedural symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
While colonoscopies are highly effective, they are not infallible, and there is a small inherent risk that some abnormalities, including polyps and cancers, may not be detected. Ongoing follow-up with your doctor at Washington Gastroenterology is essential, and any new or continuing symptoms should be reported.
Colonoscopy FAQs
When is it suggested to have a colonoscopy screening?
We recommend that individuals who are at regular risk of developing colon cancer start getting colon cancer exams at age 45 years old. If your personal risks of colon cancer are more likely or you are presenting distressing symptoms of colon cancer, our team of gastroenterologists may recommend getting a colonoscopy even before 45.
How many years apart should you receive colonoscopies?
Doctors advise receiving a colonoscopy screening about every decade for individuals who are at general risk, who are of good health, and when they have screening results that are not concerning. After your colon cancer screening, your gastroenterologist will let you know how many years apart you will want to have colon cancer screenings moving forward.
Is my colonoscopy going to be a painful process?
Sedation options are given to you prior to your colonoscopy to ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout your screening. Based on the medication, many individuals feel a very tranquil state and even feel a bit sleepy, and many experience virtually no memory of the procedure. Don’t hesitate to speak with your gastroenterologist about what to experience during your consultation.
What is the recovery period for a colorectal exam?
Most of the time, it takes somewhere around a full day to recuperate following a colonoscopy screening, and many individuals are well enough to start their regular activities the following day. When colorectal polyps are extracted, the recovery period will likely take about a week. It is not uncommon to have a little bit of GI irritation after your colon cancer screening, like cramping and bloating. Our Washington Gastroenterology doctors will go over more details on what to expect while you recover.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
Colonoscopy is regarded as the "gold standard" among all screening methods for its comprehensive approach. Unlike other screening techniques, a colonoscopy not only examines the entire colon but also allows for the removal of polyps in the same procedure, offering a preventative measure against colon cancer. If other screening methods detect polyps, a colonoscopy will typically be necessary to remove them. To schedule a colonoscopy and potentially save your life through early detection, contact an office in Washington. Further details on how to proceed with a colonoscopy can be provided by Washington Gastroenterology.
Reviews
Everything was great in the way the staff and the doctor took care of me during the procedure, but I never heard Dr Freidman with the results of my colonoscopy
I had a colonoscopy there today...can't say enough good things about my experience from check in to check out. They were very organized, efficient, personable and calming. Great co ordination of processes . I interacted with alot of people, and all were personable and professional. Made what could have been a scarey experience not so at all.
If you need a colonoscopy, I highly recommend Dr Holderman and his nursing team. He visited me before and after the procedure which was comforting and informative. His nursing team are efficient as well as reassuring and kind from start to finish. The nurse anesthesist was efficient and used her sense of humor. As an RN and the patient, I value the care that was given to me. The 5 stars are truly earned.
Great experience considering what I was having done. Prep wasn’t a problem. My husband kept commenting at how much better my prep was compared to when he had his colonoscopy elsewhere . My only complaint is that when checking in and waiting to be called back, there are not bathrooms nearby. I had to keep leaving the waiting room and office to hustle down a long hallway to a single occupancy bathroom. A few times I had to wait while someone else was using it. As you know you have basically no control over your bowels from the prep and this is a very risky setup. Once called back there is a bathroom. My procedure was quick and easy and the staff was wonderful.
I have special circumstances with my colonoscopy and Doctor Huang is always patient and so thoughtful and covers every detail. Awesome staff !!
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