Surgical Services

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a routine, safe, and effective procedure that healthcare providers use to visually examine the full lining of the colon and rectum. This is the best way for a healthcare provider to view the entire colon to see if there are any problems.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

• A colonoscopy involves the use of a colonoscope—a long, thin, flexible instrument connected to a camera and video display monitor
• The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and moved through the entire colon
• If the healthcare provider notices anything of concern during the colonoscopy, a biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue to examine) may be performed

What is the Colonoscope Looking For?

Medical professionals agree that all colon cancer arrives from polyps and ulcerative colitis A colonoscopy makes it possible to find and remove growths that exist in the colon. From colon disease to abnormal tissue growths a colonoscopy allows the healthcare provider to investigate without surgery.

Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?

People 50 and older should undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have additional risk factors, healthcare providers could recommend the procedure be completed more frequently.

A Routine Colonoscopy Could Save Your Life

Colon cancer is preventable if the early warning signs are detected through a colonoscopy. Still, less than half of Americans 50 and older undergo a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies can also aid in the detection and prevention of other diseases including:

• Adhesions: Abnormal bands of tissue that grow in the body
• Flat Polyp/Lesions: Precancerous growth on the colon wall
• Polyps: abnormal tissue growth on the wall of the colon
• Cancer: If polyps or lesions are left undetected, they can develop into cancer
• Diverticulitis: formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon
• Crohn's Disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire wall of the colon
• Appendicitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix
• Ulcerative Colitis: A form of inflammatory bowel disease that includes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon