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About Colonoscopy
Early detection of colon cancer is vital, as about 1 woman in 25 and 1 man in 23 will develop colorectal cancer. At Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. - Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Burlingame, California, experienced gastroenterologist Ernest Ribera, MD, and his team offer colonoscopies to detect or treat potential problems in the digestive tract. Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule an evaluation today.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure to detect colon cancer. It uses a thin, lighted tube with an attached light and camera. This diagnostic tool can save your life by detecting cancer in its early stages.
The Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology experts are highly skilled in preventive gastrointestinal and hepatology medicine, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and FibroScan® GO.
Who is a candidate for a colonoscopy?
You should schedule a colonoscopy if you:
- Are 45 or older
- Have a family history of colon cancer
- Have symptoms of colon cancer, like blood in your stool or abdominal pain
- Experience chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding in your rectum
Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. That’s why early detection and treatment are so essential.
After an initial colonoscopy, continue scheduling one every few years or as directed by your gastroenterologist.
How should I prepare for my colonoscopy?
Follow a liquid diet before your scheduled procedure as directed by Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology. You must also take laxatives to clean out your colon before your appointment. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the colonoscopy.
What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
Before the procedure, you’ll receive a sedative to relax you. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube into your rectum and guides it into your colon. Using the attached camera, your provider views the inside of your lower digestive tract, looking for polyps and other signs of cancer and other large bowel diseases.
If they find abnormal tissue, your specialist can remove it during a biopsy and send the tissue to a lab to determine if it’s cancerous.
Colonoscopies at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology often last 45 minutes, but the time varies from one patient to the next. Plan to spend 2-3 hours in a recovery area afterward to allow the sedation to wear off.
After the procedure, your provider discusses the results and determines if you’re a candidate for further diagnostic testing or treatment.
Schedule an evaluation at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology today by phone or online to determine if you need a colonoscopy.