Colonoscopy

Colon cancer doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stage, so it’s important to get cancer screening with a colonoscopy. You may also need a colonoscopy to diagnose or treat intestinal problems. The team of board-certified physicians at Rockwall Surgical Specialists are experts in performing colonoscopies, so they can prevent cancer by removing troublesome polyps. If you’re 45 and haven’t had a baseline colonoscopy, schedule an appointment online or by calling one of the offices in Rowlett, Rockwall, Greenville, Terrell, and Forney, Texas.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor at Rockwall Surgical Specialists to examine the inside lining of your colon and rectum. During the procedure, your doctor inserts a soft, flexible colonoscope into your anus and slowly advances it through your colon. Using the camera in the colonoscope to examine the walls of your colon, your doctor can identify polyps and areas of inflammation, bleeding, or abnormal tissues. If any areas of concern are identified, specialized instruments can be inserted through the colonoscope and used to perform procedures such as:

Removing polyps
Taking tissue samples for a biopsy
Stopping bleeding
Opening a blockage or narrowed area
Inserting a stent to keep the colon open

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are routinely used to screen for colon cancer, but your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to identify the cause of rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and other intestinal concerns. You should have a baseline colonoscopy when you reach age 45. Colon cancer arises from polyps that grow inside your intestine. When you get a colonoscopy, your doctor removes polyps before they have time to become cancerous, or cancer is detected and removed. Your doctor may suggest getting a colonoscopy before 50 if you have risk factors for colon cancer such as:

Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Personal history of colon polyps
Blood in your stool
Inflammatory bowel disease
Being overweight
Diet low in fiber
Smoke cigarettes

What should you expect before and during a colonoscopy?

Your doctor must be able to clearly see the lining of your intestine during your colonoscopy, so you’ll receive instructions on how to cleanse your bowels beforehand. You may be asked to follow a liquid diet and take a laxative in the days immediately preceding your appointment. Before your procedure, you’ll talk with your doctor about the types of anesthesia and decide which one is best for you. Your colonoscopy should take about 20-60 minutes, depending on whether your doctor has to remove any polyps and if they discover any other health issues.

You’ll be able to eat normally when your procedure is finished, but don’t plan to return to your normal activities until the next day. It’s best if you take time to relax for the rest of the day after your colonoscopy. If you need to schedule a colonoscopy, or have questions about whether you need one, call Rockwall Surgical Specialists or book an appointment online.