Colonoscopy Specialist

Why do I need a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and preventive procedure that can identify changes in your large intestine or colon and your rectum. These changes can indicate the presence of disease that affects your gastrointestinal health, including colon cancer.

When should you begin screening for colon cancer?

50 years old is the recommended age for a screening colonoscopy and age 45 for African Americans.

Talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy sooner if:

• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• You have Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis 
• You have experienced rectal bleeding or a change in regularity
  
  

Since the early stages of colon cancer won’t typically cause noticeable symptoms, a screening colonoscopy is the most effective way to diagnose precancerous or cancerous changes before the disease can advance.

What’s involved in a colonoscopy?

You will be prepared before your procedure with instructions for a clear-liquid diet and prescribed a specific preparatory solution to clean out your colon.

During the procedure, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider inserts a long, flexible tube that contains a small camera into the rectum and guides it through your lower gastrointestinal tract.

The camera sends real-time images of your inner structures to a monitor, which your doctor watches throughout the procedure to identify polyps and other abnormalities.

What happens if a colonoscopy finds abnormalities?

In the event your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider finds suspicious areas of tissue, they can use the same Olympus technology to remove it or existing polyps during a colonoscopy.

Your doctor sends these samples to a medical lab for further evaluation. Depending on the results of your lab testing, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants doctor works with you closely on a treatment plan for your condition.

If you have unexplained abdominal pain or need to schedule a preventive colonoscopy, contact Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants online or by phone today.