Colonoscopy in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a long, slender, adjustable pipe or “scope” is positioned into the anus and advanced through the whole large intestine (colon). The scope has a light and a camera on the end, enabling the specialist to investigate the colon's lining. A colonoscopy might be performed to diagnose the reason for gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, bleeding, gut pain, or abnormal x-ray results.
A colonoscopy may additionally be carried out on an asymptomatic patient at 45 years old or sooner, depending on the person's history, or to examine for colon and rectal cancer and tumors. As chief experts in gastrointestinal wellness, the board-certified GI providers at Washington Gastroenterology frequently carry out colonoscopy exams. Please get in touch with us regarding colonoscopies in Washington.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are the best safeguard against developing colon cancer, so it is particularly important to schedule a colonoscopy as suggested by your gastroenterologist. Routine colonoscopy exams provide a number of benefits for your gastrointestinal and overall health and wellness. Some of the advantages of a colon cancer screening include the following:
- Acts as the prevailing testing option for colon and rectal cancer
- Could be a life-saving exam
- Identifies diverticulosis, IBD, and other GI conditions
- Discovers initial signs of colon cancer
- Uncovers and excises precancerous growths
With the help of advancing technology, colonoscopy exams are performed more conveniently, with less discomfort, and with more accuracy than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You will obtain instructions from your specialist at Washington Gastroenterology concerning the necessary bowel preparation to get you ready for your procedure. Most individuals are on a diet of only clear fluids the entire day prior to the procedure. There are many different choices for laxatives to clean out the colon. It is vital to follow the directions provided to you by your provider. There could also be additional directions regarding your prescriptions. In the majority of cases, your medications will be maintained as usual. Be that as it may, in specific instances, particularly in clients on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, special orders could be given. Clients will be instructed not to consume anything by mouth after midnight, excluding prescriptions.
You may be directed to appear at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your procedure. This allows time to complete paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to change into a medical robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm to give sedation. You will be connected to equipment that will permit the provider and nurses to monitor your pulse, arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, breath, and oxygen level during and following the colonoscopy.
When you reach the exam room, you will be directed to position yourself on your left side on the gurney. The IV drugs will be started. Small quantities are given to help ensure your safety and provide the level you personally need. Once a sufficient amount of relaxation is reached, the specialist will perform a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be delicately inserted into the rectum. The scope will be carefully advanced throughout the colon to where the small intestine and colon meet. A small quantity of air is placed through the scope and inside the colon to allow the provider to view the colon's lining. Any water leftover in the bowel following the preparation can be cleaned and absorbed through the scope.
Based on the procedure results, various things can be done during the exam, for instance, biopsies, the removal of tumors, and the control of bleeding. At the end of the test, as much of the oxygen and remaining fluid as viable is withdrawn out of the colon with the scope. Depending on the results, the exam takes around 15 – 30 minutes.
After the test, you will be taken to the recovery room to be supervised while the medication dissipates. The quantity of medicine applied during the exam and your particular response to the drug will dictate how quickly you wake up. However, most people are conscious enough for release within 45 – 60 minutes.
After your colonoscopy with our Washington team, you will be advised not to operate a vehicle for the rest of the afternoon. As a result, you will want to prepare a ride back to your house. You would also be told not to work, sign legal paperwork, or perform physical activities for the rest of the day. Many people can consume food and drink following their dismissal from the endoscopy facility; however, special instructions about exercise, eating, and medications will be given before discharge.
When will I get my colonoscopy results?
After the procedure, the gastroenterologist and/or nurse will review the exam results with you. Most individuals will not recall what they are told following the procedure because of the effects of the sedation medication. It is suggested, if possible, to take a friend or family member with you to whom the findings can also be discussed. You may also go home with a written record. You may be informed of any biopsy results generally within seven days.
Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the test will depend on the reason for needing a colonoscopy. In most situations, a colonoscopy is the best approach to evaluate and treat abnormalities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are various x-rays that can evaluate the colon, like a barium enema and a virtual CT scan. These are, though, merely diagnostic exams. Addressing abnormalities will demand a colonoscopy or an operation.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Generally, a colonoscopy is an extremely dependable exam. Usually, complications appear in fewer than 1% of clients. Most complications are not life-threatening. Be that as it may, if a problem occurs, it may require hospitalization and an operation. Before the procedure, the nursing team will review a consent form with the individual. If any doubts or concerns appear, these can be addressed with your provider before beginning the procedure.
Medication reactions related to sedation can transpire. These can include, but are not limited to, allergic responses, trouble breathing, impacts on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to administer the IV drug.
Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the extraction of polyps. Once again, considerable bleeding, which may necessitate a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is extremely uncommon. However, bleeding can arise at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks following the procedure if a tumor is removed.
Perforation or puncture of the colon can happen. This could be recognized at the time of the exam, or it may not be evident until later in the afternoon. In most instances, a penetration will require surgery and hospitalization. This is a rare complication, even when polyps are withdrawn.
You must immediately contact your specialist's clinic if symptoms arise following the test, like heightened stomach discomfort, bleeding, or elevated temperature.
Just as with any other procedure, a colonoscopy is not infallible. There is a small, recognized risk that abnormalities, including growths and cancers, can be undetected during the test. It is essential to continue to follow up with your specialist at Washington Gastroenterology as advised and notify them of any new or constant symptoms.
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
A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of all screening systems for colorectal cancer. Unlike other testing approaches, a colonoscopy allows for the study of the entire colon. Along with offering the most comprehensive investigation, it also enables the detection of tumors and their removal in just one procedure. For many other screening approaches, the ability to remove tumors is not accessible, and if the exam returns affirmative for tumors, you will likely require a colonoscopy. You can request an appointment for a colonoscopy in Washington by contacting a nearby office. A routine colonoscopy just might secure your health. If you would like to know more about how to request a colonoscopy, contact your local Washington Gastroenterology without delay.
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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