Colonoscopy in Houston, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopic test during which a long, slender, pliable pipe, or "scope," is inserted into the anus and advanced through the entirety of the large intestine (colon). The pipe has a light source and a camera on the tip of it, which allows the doctor to investigate the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy may be carried out to determine the cause of GI symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloody stool, abdominal pain, or unusual x-ray results.
A colonoscopy may additionally be done on a patient with no symptoms at age 45 (or younger, based on the person's history) to examine for colon and rectal cancer as well as polyps. As principal experts in gastrointestinal wellness, the board-certified GI specialists at Gastroenterology Consultants routinely carry out colonoscopy tests. Please reach out to us for more information on colonoscopies in Houston, TX.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the most effective safeguard against colon cancer, so it is vital to obtain these screenings as advised by your GI doctor. Regular colonoscopy exams offer many advantages for your GI wellness and general health. Some of the advantages of a colonoscopy include:
- May be an exam that saves your life
- Serves as the prevailing screening option for colorectal cancer
- Identifies and excises abnormal growths (polyps)
- Detects diverticulosis, IBD, and other GI conditions
- Discovers the beginning signs of colon cancer
With the help of today's advanced technology, colonoscopy exams are performed efficiently, in greater comfort, and more precisely than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
Your Gastroenterology Consultants health provider will supply you with instructions outlining the essential bowel preparations needed to get you ready for your procedure. The majority of persons consume only clear fluids the whole day before the exam. There are many choices you have for laxatives to totally empty out the colon. It is really important to observe the orders given to you by your physician. There may also be further directions regarding your prescriptions. In the majority of instances, your medications will be maintained as usual. Be that as it may, in specific instances, particularly in persons on blood thinners (e.g., Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, special instructions may be specified. Individuals will be advised not to consume anything by mouth after midnight except for prescriptions.
Your physician will direct you to come to the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your test. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the test. You will also be asked to wear a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your vein so that sedation can be given. You will be attached to equipment that will permit the doctor and support team to monitor your heart rate, arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen concentration throughout and following the colonoscopy.
Once in the procedure room, you will be asked to position yourself on your left side on the bed. The IV drugs will be administered. The sedative will be administered in small doses at a time to ensure your safety and minimize any potential adverse reaction. When you are adequately sedated, the specialist will perform a rectal examination. The colonoscope will then be softly planted into the rectum. The scope will be carefully moved across the colon to where the small intestine and colon join. A small measure of air is pumped through the scope and into the colon to enable the doctor to see the interior of the colon. Any liquid left in the bowel after the preparation can be cleaned and removed through the scope.
Based on the results of the colonoscopy, different things can be accomplished at the moment of the test, like biopsies, the withdrawal of polyps, and steps to stem any bleeding (if necessary). At the conclusion of the exam, as much of the oxygen and leftover liquid as viable is absorbed out of the colon through the scope. Depending on the outcome, the exam takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.
Once the test is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored while the effects of the sedative dissipate. The amount of sedation used throughout the procedure and your own reaction to the drug will dictate how soon you will wake up, though many persons are conscious enough for dismissal in around 45 – 60 minutes.
You will not be permitted to operate a vehicle for the remainder of the day following your colonoscopy with our Houston, TX team. As a result, you will want to make sure you have a ride back to your house. You will also be told not to go to work, sign important documents, or undergo strenuous activities for the remainder of the afternoon. The majority of individuals are able to eat and consume liquids as usual after their release from the endoscopy office; however, specific orders with regards to exercise, eating, and prescriptions will be given to you prior to discharge.
When will I get my results?
Once the exam is finished, the physician and/or support staff will review the results with you. Many people will not remember exactly what is being discussed at this point because of the aftereffects of the IV sedation. It is advised, if practical, to take a friend or family member with you to whom the results can also be shared. You may also go home with a typed record. You will be notified of any biopsy conclusions generally during one week.
Are there other options to a colonoscopy?
Any alternatives you have to a colonoscopy will largely depend on the reason why the procedure was ordered to begin with. In most cases, a colonoscopy is the superior method to appraise and address abnormalities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are other x-rays that can diagnose the colon, such as a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are only diagnostic exams, though. Handling irregularities will necessitate a colonoscopy or an operation.
Are there any risks with a colonoscopy?
Overall, a colonoscopy carries few significant risks. Difficulties arise in less than 1% of patients. Many complications are not seriously dangerous. Be that as it may, if a complication happens, it may involve hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the procedure, a permission form will be checked with the individual by the nursing staff. Should any inquiries or concerns arise, these can be talked about with your physician before beginning the test.
Drug reactions connected with the IV medication can happen. These can include, but are not confined to, allergic responses, trouble breathing, effects on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and discomfort of the vein utilized to administer the medication.
Bleeding can arise with biopsies and the removal of growths. Once more, significant bleeding, which could need a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is extremely rare. Although, bleeding can happen at the time of the exam or up to two weeks following the procedure if a growth is eliminated.
Penetration or puncture of the bowel can transpire. This could be identified at the time of the exam, or it could not be apparent before later in the day. In many instances, a puncture will require surgery and a hospital stay. This is a rare difficulty, even when growths are removed.
It is crucial that you call your physician's facility quickly if symptoms arise after the test, including increasing intestinal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Just as with any other procedure, a colonoscopy is not foolproof. There is a minuscule, acknowledged danger that abnormalities, including tumors and cancers, can be unidentified during the test. It is essential to proceed to maintain appointments with your physician at Gastroenterology Consultants as instructed and notify them of any new or constant symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
When should you undergo a colonoscopy?
We suggest people of standard risk for colon cancer begin colonoscopy screenings when they turn 45. However, if your risks for colon cancer are greater or if you are showing symptoms of colon cancer, our gastroenterologists might advise having a colonoscopy even before the recommended age.
How often should you have a colonoscopy?
Gastroenterologists suggest receiving colonoscopies every ten years for patients of normal risk, who are in good health, and who have colonoscopy results within normal limits. After your colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will explain how often you should undergo colon cancer screenings moving forward.
Are colonoscopies uncomfortable?
Sedation is provided before a colonoscopy exam to maximize your comfort while undergoing the procedure. Depending on the type of sedation, you may reach an extremely calm state or even feel drowsy. Many individuals have virtually no recollection of the exam process. Talk with your gastroenterologist about what you can expect during a colonoscopy at your consultation visit.
What is the recovery period following a colonoscopy?
Generally, it takes around 24 hours to recuperate after a colonoscopy screening, and many patients feel well enough to resume their regular routine the following day. When polyps are removed, recovery will likely take longer. It is normal to have gastrointestinal discomfort following a colonoscopy, including cramping and/or bloating. Our Gastroenterology Consultants team will provide further details on what to expect during the recovery period.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
The colonoscopy is considered by many GI specialists to be the "gold standard" of all testing approaches for colorectal cancer. Unlike different testing methods, a colonoscopy permits for the investigation of the whole colon. As well as supplying the most comprehensive inspection, it also allows for the detection of tumors and their extraction within one procedure. Many other screening procedures lack the option to remove polyps that are found, and if the test returns affirmative for polyps, you will potentially need a colonoscopy. You can book a colonoscopy in Houston, TX by contacting our office. A regular colonoscopy just might protect your well-being. If you would like to know more about scheduling or preparing for a colonoscopy, call Gastroenterology Consultants without delay.
Reviews
The staff is more than amazing. I came in on 12/22 and they did everything to get me scheduled for CT scan, ultrasound, colonoscopy and endoscopy before end of year when insurance benefits expire. Awesome!!!!!
I personally would like to thank Dr. Victor Ankoma-Sey for the gracious and polite manner in assisting me with my colonoscopy. From the moment I came into his office for a consultation up and including my colonoscopy, he addressed my concerns, explained the procedure and what to expect. He demonstrates a physician with great competency not only by his knowledge, his teaching but by his attitude that “patients come first “. I personally cannot thank him enough for his efficiency and great teamwork. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a Gastroenterologist. Thank you for everything. BMangon
Dr. Rao and her team were magnificent! They saw me promptly, prepped me and it was over just like that! There was no pain whatsoever and when I awakened, I was ready for the colonoscopy to start. Yes, it was that good!
The staff was very professional and patient before and after my first colonoscopy procedure. I greatly appreciate their knowledge and assistance as I was a nervous wreck.
The intlre procedure was very professional and quite pleasant. If the colonoscopy found no cancer,,can an email be sent instead of a follow up appointment . Thank you.
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