Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that evaluates the inside of your colon and rectum. At Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers in Pembroke Pines, Florida, board-certified gastroenterologist Peter S. Yotseff, MD, performs colonoscopy procedures to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy is also the gold-standard procedure for colon cancer screening. To find out more about colonoscopy at the luxurious and professional gastroenterology practice, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.  

What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a procedure that evaluates the lining of your large intestine, the last portion of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your colon and rectum. 

During the procedure, your gastroenterologist inserts a thin flexible tube with a light and camera — a colonoscope — into your anus, slowly advancing it through the entire length of your large intestine. 

The colonoscope transmits images of your GI tract onto a computer monitor, allowing your gastroenterologist to evaluate the lining, looking for abnormalities.

Why would I need a colonoscopy?

Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers may perform a colonoscopy to determine the underlying cause of your GI symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or change in bowel habits. Colonoscopy may help diagnose conditions such as colon polyps (benign growths) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

They also perform colonoscopies for colon cancer screenings. Finding colon cancer during the early stages improves your chances of a full recovery.

Colon polyps are benign but can turn into cancer over time. During a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening, your gastroenterologist looks for and removes colon polyps to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.  

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers provides specific instructions on how you prepare for your colonoscopy. Called bowel prep, your gastroenterologist requests you modify your diet before your procedure (low fiber and then liquid diet) and take a laxative to clean out the bowel. 

It’s necessary to adhere to the bowel prep instructions to completely remove stool and debris from your large intestine so your gastroenterologist can perform the exam. You may need to reschedule your colonoscopy if you fail to follow the bowel prep instructions. 

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers takes about 45 minutes. Before the procedure, you receive a sedative through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm that helps you relax.

Your gastroenterologist has you lie on your left side and then inserts the colonoscope. The colonoscope has several tools the gastroenterologist uses to evaluate the large intestine, including tools to inflate the colon, remove polyps, and take tissue samples. 

You go to the recovery room after the colonoscopy and then home. You must have someone drive you home from the procedure and take it easy the rest of the day.

Call the Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers or schedule your colonoscopy online today.