Colonoscopy in Arizona

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A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test where a long, slender, adjustable pipe or “scope” is placed into the anus and advanced through the length of the large intestine (colon). The tube has a lamp and a video camera on the end of it, which permits the specialist to investigate the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy could be carried out to identify the cause of GI symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloody stool, stomach pain, uncommon x-ray findings, or performed routinely on patients 45 years old or older to screen for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer generally begins as small noncancerous growths called polyps. But with regular screenings, our board-certified gastroenterologists can find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous. Unfortunately, the disease may be advanced before symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pressure, or a change in bowel habits occur. If diagnosed early, before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is much easier to treat. As leading specialists in digestive wellness, the board-certified GI doctors at Arizona Digestive Health offer screening colonoscopy, diagnostic colonoscopy, and open access colonoscopy procedures. Please contact us to schedule a colonoscopy in Phoenix, AZ.

Colonoscopy screenings are the most reliable protection against colon cancer development, which is why it’s extremely important to undergo these screenings as recommended by your physician. Preventive colonoscopy exams provide a number of benefits for your GI and general wellness. Some of the advantages of this colon cancer screening include:

  • Can discover the initial signs of colon and rectal cancer
  • Uncovers and excises suspicious polyps
  • Identifies diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other GI conditions
  • Provides the most effective testing option for colon and/or rectal cancer
  • Could be an exam that saves your life

Thanks to advancing technology, colorectal cancer screenings are executed more conveniently, with less discomfort, and with more precision than ever.

Screening colonoscopy

Screening colonoscopies are conducted on a preventive basis to examine the health of the colon and screen for any concerns. These are often performed beginning at age 45. Patients may be ideal candidates for a screening colonoscopy if they are not showing any signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, they do not have a close relative who has colorectal cancer, and they have no personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer.

Diagnostic colonoscopy

A diagnostic colonoscopy may be recommended for those having symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea or other bowel changes, and abdominal discomfort. Candidates may also include patients who have a family or personal history of colorectal polyps, colon or rectal tissue abnormalities, or cancer. Diagnostic colonoscopies may also be performed to evaluate GI symptoms or following abnormal test results.

Open access colonoscopy

An open access colonoscopy is a service we provide that allows healthy, age-appropriate patients to easily schedule a colonoscopy, usually without a pre-procedure visit. By completing an open access request form, your information will be sent to the physician of your choice. Patients with significant illnesses (poorly controlled diabetes, significant cardiac disease, severe breathing problems, kidney problems) are advised to schedule a consultation prior to the procedure. The physician will have very limited time to discuss past medical history or ongoing problems at the time of the open access procedure. If you have underlying abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or any other gastrointestinal issues, an open access colonoscopy may not be the best initial examination for you. To ensure the highest quality care, we request individuals with these issues schedule a regular clinic visit prior to any procedure.

If you are in good health and wish to proceed to scheduling your procedure, please complete and submit the open access request form. Once submitted, you will be contacted within two to three business days by our staff to review your history, obtain a prescription for the bowel preparation, and receive final instructions for your colonoscopy.

You will get instructions from your specialist at Arizona Digestive Health regarding the essential bowel preparation to get you ready for your colonoscopy procedure. Most patients consume only clear liquids the entire day prior to the procedure. There are several distinct alternatives for laxatives to totally clean out the colon. It is quite crucial to observe the orders provided to you by your specialist. There will also be extra instructions concerning your medications. In the majority of cases, your drugs will be continued as standard. Be that as it may, in specific situations, specifically in clients on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, particular directions will be provided. Persons will be advised not to consume anything following midnight excluding medications.

You could be directed to appear at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your test. This is to enable time to fill out paperwork and get ready for the exam. You will be directed to wear a hospital robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your vein so that calming drugs can be administered. You will be hooked up to equipment that will enable the doctor and support team to check your pulse, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during and following the colonoscopy.

When you reach the procedure room, you will be directed to lie on your left side on the bed. The IV medication will be given. Minuscule amounts are administered to help secure your safety and supply just the level you must have individually. When a sufficient quantity of relaxation is obtained, the specialist will carry out a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be lightly inserted through the anus. The scope will be carefully moved across the colon to where the small bowel and colon meet. A little amount of air is placed using the scope and within the colon to allow the physician to watch the lining of colon. Any water left in the intestine following the preparation can be cleaned and absorbed through the scope.

Depending on the outcome of the colonoscopy, multiple things can be performed at the moment of the exam, like biopsies, the removal of polyps, and the repression of bleeding. At the conclusion of the procedure, as much of the gas and leftover liquid as feasible is absorbed out of the colon by way of the scope. Depending on the results, the procedure takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.

After the colonoscopy is finished, you will be ushered to the aftercare room to be monitored while the medication starts to disappear. The volume of IV drug utilized during the exam and your particular response to the medication will establish how swiftly you will awaken, though many clients are lucid enough for dismissal in around 45 – 60 minutes.

You will be advised not to drive for the rest of the day after your colonoscopy with our Phoenix, AZ staff. Therefore, you will be required to prepare a ride home. You would also be ordered not to work, sign legal documents, or do strenuous actions for the remainder of the day. Most people are able to eat and drink as usual following their release from the endoscopy office; however, specific directions about movement, eating, and medications will be given prior to discharge.

Upon conclusion of the procedure, the physician and/or nurse will go over the conclusions of the procedure with you. Most people will not remember what they are informed following the exam due to the consequences of the IV drug. It is recommended, if possible, to take someone with you to whom the findings can also be talked about with. You will additionally take home a printed record. You could be notified of any biopsy conclusions generally within one week.

To an extent, the other alternatives to a colonoscopy will count on the grounds for needing the colonoscopy in the first place. In the majority of cases, a colonoscopy is the most ideal method to diagnose and address irregularities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are different x-rays that can appraise the colon, such as a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, however, solely diagnostic procedures. Addressing irregularities will require a colonoscopy or a surgical procedure.

In general, a colonoscopy is a very safe exam. Overall, complexities appear in fewer than 1% of clients. Most complications are not potentially fatal. If a problem happens, it might involve hospitalization and surgery. Before the exam, a permission form will be discussed with the individual by the support staff. If any issues or problems emerge, these can be reviewed with your provider prior to starting the test.

Medicine reactions connected with the IV medication can occur. These can involve, but are not confined to, allergic responses, difficulty breathing, impacts on the heart and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to deliver the medication.

Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the withdrawal of tumors. Once more, substantial bleeding, which may require a blood donation or hospitalization, is usually rare. Although, bleeding can happen during the procedure or up to two weeks after the procedure if a tumor is eliminated.

Penetration or puncture of the colon can occur. This could be recognized at the time of the procedure, or it may not be noticeable until later in the evening. In the majority of instances, a puncture will need surgery and hospitalization. This is an unusual problem, even when growths are withdrawn.

It is crucial that you contact your provider without delay if symptoms emerge after the test, like worsening stomach pain, bleeding, or elevated temperature.

Just as with most other exams, a colonoscopy is not perfect. There is a tiny, recognized risk that deformities, such as tumors and cancers, can be missed at the time of the test. It is essential to proceed to maintain appointments with your specialist at Arizona Digestive Health as advised and notify him/her of any recent or lasting symptoms.

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By what age should you have your first colonoscopy screening?

We recommend patients with average odds of developing colon cancer begin having their colonoscopy exams at age 45. If your risks for colon cancer are greater than average or you have symptoms of colon cancer, our team of gastroenterologists may recommend getting a colonoscopy before that age.

How often is it recommended to have a colonoscopy?

Doctors advise undergoing a colonoscopy every ten years for patients of ordinary risk, who are in favorable health, and who have normal colonoscopy results. Following your screening, your GI doctor will let you know when you should schedule colon cancer exams in the future.

Will my colonoscopy be an uncomfortable procedure?

Sedation is given prior to a colonoscopy screening to help ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout the process. Depending on the variation of sedation provided, you may achieve a very tranquil state and even feel drowsy, or you may have virtually no recollection of the procedure. Your colonoscopy doctor can explain more about what to expect during your screening consultation.

What is the recovery timeframe for a colonoscopy exam?

On average, patients need approximately a full day to recover, and some feel well enough to resume normal routines the next day. When polyps are extracted during a colonoscopy, the recovery time may last about a week. It is not uncommon to experience some abdominal discomfort after a colonoscopy, like cramping and bloating. Our Arizona Digestive Health providers will provide further details about what to anticipate during your recovery.

A colonoscopy is thought of as the “gold standard” of all screening methods for colorectal cancer. Unlike other screening approaches, a colonoscopy allows for the study of the complete colon. In addition to providing the most thorough test, it also permits the discovery of polyps and their withdrawal within one exam. For some different testing methods, the ability to extract polyps is not accessible, and if the procedure returns affirmative for polyps, you will potentially require a colonoscopy. You can request a colonoscopy in Phoenix, AZ by contacting our team. A routine colonoscopy just might save your life. If you would like to know more about how to obtain a colonoscopy, contact Arizona Digestive Health today.

I thought dr. Shifat was one of the friendliest, most personable doctors I have met. It was my first time discussing a colonoscopy, and he was very thorough and I never felt rushed. This is the type of tender care all doctors should provide.

F.M. Google

Fantastic Doctors and staff! They go that extra step in dealing with your care! Thanks to that, I was in for my 1st office visit 8 years ago, and instead of going forward with a colonoscopy, Shauna admitted me to Banner with Stage IV ovarian cancer! Yes, I did get my colonoscopy, eventually. An easy process!

J. Google

I have never had a colonoscopy before, but this was as painless as I could possibly have expected. Prep is horrid, but no way around that - grin and bear it!! Dr Seetharam is kind, gentle, and explained everything completely. Once I got to the office the day of the procedure, my concerns faded away. Everyone was so nice and put me at ease. The wait was minimal to get on with the procedure. I wasn't left alone, and was told what the steps were. I saw Dr Seetharam briefly before I was out like a light! I came out of the anesthesia quickly, and glad to have it over! I highly recommend Dr Seetharam and his staff!

D.D. Google

Dr Patel and staff were very helpful. Dr Patel took his time to explain everything before and after my colonoscopy.

P.W. Google

Dr. Hauptman is a friendly and pleasant doctor who has performed my routine colonoscopy for the past 10 years. He is attentive and professional. Highly recommend.

R.A. Google

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