If you’re currently looking for a Katy Texas Colonoscopy Doctor, get in touch with the medical offices of the digestive system physician, James Maher. He has performed countless procedures and completes every procedure with the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. Read on to learn more about what a colonoscopy is and what to expect from it.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy allows doctors to look for any type of changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. To perform a colonoscopy, there are certain things a doctor will ask you to do to prepare, but we’ll get into that a little bit later. During the procedure, a long flexible tube will be inserted into the rectum. At the end of this tube, you’ll find a tiny video camera. Doctors use this tiny camera to look inside the entire colon.
Dr. Maher performs colonoscopies to:
Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms:
Colonoscopies are used by doctors to explore signs and symptoms, such as:
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Other types of intestinal problems
Screening for colon cancer:
Even if there are no signs for risks other, doctors will recommend a colonoscopy for patients over the age of 50. Even more, from this point forward, doctors will more than likely ask you to have a colonoscopy every 10 years or sooner to screen for possible colon cancer.
One thing to remember is that a colonoscopy is one of several options for colon cancer screening. If you want to learn about other options available, discuss what options you have with your doctor.
Look for more polyps:
If you have had a history of polyps, then you can expect your doctor to recommend a follow-up colonoscopy. The reason for this is doctors want to look for the possibility of polyps and treat them appropriately. In cases like these, having a colonoscopy performed is a very great way to reduce the risk of colon cancer. As always, the best bet is to discuss with your doctor the best options available.
How to Prepare
Your doctor will ask you to prepare for your procedure in a few ways. First and foremost, he’ll focus on helping you empty your colon. Second, he’ll make sure any medicines you’re taking will not affect the procedure. If you take a medicine that does affect the procedure, your doctor will temporarily adjust your dosage. Here are a few things you can expect when you schedule a colonoscopy:
You’ll follow a special diet one day prior to the procedure.
Your doctor will ask you to follow a liquid-only diet one day prior to the colonoscopy. Usually, doctors allow patients to have clear and opaque liquids, so long as they are not red. For example, you could have vegetable broth, but not red gelatin. Red liquids can be easily confused for blood during the colonoscopy.
Take a laxative
Probably the most unpleasant part of preparing for a colonoscopy is clearing your colon. Your doctor will give you a special, strong laxative one day prior to the procedure. This laxative will completely clear your system. Generally, patients begin taking the laxative in the morning and continue taking it periodically throughout the day. Further, many patients feel a bit drained, so you may want to request a day off from work or get extra help with your children.
Adjust your medications
Another important part of preparing for the procedure is adjusting your medicines. Some medicines can slow or prevent your body from clotting wounds. In addition, there are some other medicines that can affect the procedure. For example, you’ll also be asked to adjust any medication or supplements you take that have any iron in them.
If you take any medicines that could affect the procedure, your doctor will stop or adjust the dose. Further, you’ll be at a reduced dose or completely off the medicine for at least one week prior to the colonoscopy. This is especially true for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems.
Moreover, medications that affect blood such as aspirin and warfarin will also be adjusted. Other medications you should let the doctor know you take include, anticoagulants, like dabigatran (Pradaxa) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto), which reduce the chances of blood clots and stroke. Other medications that will be adjusted are those that affect platelets, such as clopidogrel (Plavix).
What to Expect During
When you arrive at our center, you’ll be asked to change into a gown. A nurse will get an IV started, and you’ll receive some fluids. In addition, you’ll be given a sedative through an IV or general anesthesia. That way, you won’t feel any discomfort during the colonoscopy.
At the start of the procedure, you’ll be lying down on the exam table, with the knees drawn towards the chest. The doctor will then insert the scope into the rectum. This scope is long enough to reach the entire length of the colon, containing a light and a tube. The doctor will then pump air into the colon to provide a better view. In some cases, doctors will use the procedure to perform biopsies. To do so, doctors will use instruments through the channel and remove polyps in addition to other forms of abnormal tissue.
After the Procedure
Patients usually spend about an hour in the recovery room to fully awaken from the sedative. During this time, a nurse will keep a close eye on your vitals and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. In addition, your loved one will be allowed back to see you when you’re awake enough.
It will be too dangerous for you to drive home, so have someone ready to take you home. Other things you’ll want to stay away from are making any type of major decision or going back to work. The removal of a polyp requires a special diet, Dr. Maher suggests. Follow the diet so you can get to feeling better faster.
Katy Texas Colonoscopy Doctor
Katy Texas Colonoscopy Doctor James Maher is here to get you through all your stomach issues. Contact the clinic at (281) 945-5190. Check out our website to learn more about our services and to save time with our online patient forms. Dr. Maher is the most qualified physician around, so make him your Katy Texas Colonoscopy Doctor today.
Katy Texas Fun Facts
- At one time, Katy’s main export was rice.
- The city of Katy is located 30 miles from Houston
- Incorporated in 1945
- Learn more about Katy Texas here