A colonoscopy is a simple and easy procedure that could potentially save your life. A colonoscopy is used to look through the large intestine and rectum for polyps or other signs of cancer. A colonoscopy can help your doctor detect signs of cancer at an early stage, making it easier to treat and remove.
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a long and flexible tube known as a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum. This scope has a camera at the tip so that your doctor can safely and easily look inside your intestines for any irritation, swelling, or polyps that may have formed. If your doctor does find polyps, they can use the scope to easily remove the polyps and take biopsies as needed to ensure that there is nothing else to be concerned about.
A colonoscopy can help your doctor diagnose certain gastrointestinal disorders and to screen for colon cancer. It’s recommended that you get your first colonoscopy after the age of 50 because that’s when your risk of colon cancer becomes higher if you don’t have any other risk factors. If colon cancer runs in your family or there are other issues that may increase your risk before age 50, you may want to get screened sooner than that.
Before a colonoscopy, you have to abstain from eating solid food the day before. You should be sure to stick to clear liquids so that your doctor can clearly see inside, and you get the clearest results from your colonoscopy. The entire procedure usually takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Contact Your Gastroenterologist Today
Don’t put off getting a colonoscopy! Make sure you discuss when a colonoscopy is needed with your gastroenterologist. Contact Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Burlingame, CA, at (650) 342-6506 for more information.