If you’re looking for a Cinco Ranch TX Colonoscopy Doctor, get in touch with the clinic of Board Certified Gastroenterologist Dr. James Maher. Thanks to years of experience, Dr. Maher has what it takes to get you back in good shape. Read on to learn more about what a Coloconscopy is and what to expect during the procedure.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or any type of abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. During the colonoscopy, doctors insert a tube with a tiny video camera at the end of it to allow doctors to view the inside of the entire colon. This tube is inserted into the rectum.
Abnormal tissues like polyps can also be removed during the procedure with the scope. Additionally, a colonoscopy can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsies). There are several reasons why a doctor would recommend such a procedure, including:
Investigating intestinal signs and symptoms:
A colonoscopy can help doctors explore possible reasons for abdominal pain, such as rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and other intestinal problems.
Screening for colon cancer
A colonoscopy may also be recommended for patients that are over the age of 50 and around the risk age for colon cancer. Even if you have no other colon cancer risk factors other than age, doctors may recommend a screening every ten years, or sometimes sooner. Keep in mind that this is only one of the options for colon cancer screening. For information on your other options, make sure you talk to your doctor.
Look for additional polyps
If you’ve had a history of polyps, then the doctor may very well ask for another colonoscopy. The reason for this is that there is a possibility of other polyps being present, and it’s important to find them in order to treat them as soon as possible. The best way to find out more about your polyp is the situation is by discussing in-depth with your doctor.
How to Prepare
In order to get the best results, there are certain things patients can do to prepare for the procedure. The reason that you need to prepare in certain ways is to get rid of any residue in the colon that could cause problems with clearly viewing the inside of the colon. Here are some of the things that a doctor may ask you to do to prepare for the upcoming procedure.
Follow a special diet
You’ll have to follow a diet set by your doctor to properly prepare for the colonoscopy. Common requests include only limiting the drinking to only clear liquids. Further, you should stay away from carbonated beverages. Other things that you’ll want to avoid are red liquids, which may resemble blood during the test. Finally, you may not drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.
Take a laxative
Your doctor will give you a strong laxative to take the day before the procedure. Most of the time, patients begin the laxative in the morning and take it throughout the day. By the end of the day, your colon should be completely cleared out.
Adjust your medications
Patients who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems will need to adjust their medicines at least a week prior to the procedure. Medication or supplements that contain iron will also be adjusted.
Medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), prevent blood from clotting. So, it is extremely risky to continue these medicines in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.
Other types of medications to be careful with are newer anticoagulants such as dabigatran or rivaroxaban. For these types of medication, you’ll likely have to adjust the dosage or even stop them temporarily.
What to Expect During
When you arrive at the outpatient center, you’ll need to change into a hospital gown. Then, a nurse will put in an IV. Finally, you’ll be given anesthesia to put you to sleep.
During the procedure, you’ll be lying on your side, with your knees drawn towards the chest. Next, your doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum. The scope is as long as the length of the colon and has a light with a camera. Then, the doctor will then fill your colon with air to provide a clear view.
Once the scope is in the colon, the doctor uses the tiny video camera to examine your colon on a monitor screen. If your doctor finds polyps or other growths, they will take a biopsy. Generally speaking, the procedure will typically last about 30 to 60 minutes.
After the Procedure
It takes about an hour after the exam to begin recovery from the sedatives. For sure, you’ll need someone to take you home as you won’t be ain any state to drive. You should also avoid making any major decisions, and don’t even think about going back to work. Additionally, if polyps were removed during the procedure, you’ll be asked to eat a special diet at least temporarily.
Cinco Ranch TX Colonoscopy Doctor
Cinco Ranch TX Colonoscopy Doctor James Maher is here to help. Set an appointment by calling (281) 945-5190. Browse our website for information on services and for online patient forms. Take care of your stomach problems and call Cinco Ranch TX Colonoscopy Doctor James Maher.
Cinco Ranch TX Fun Facts
- Located in Fort Bend and Harris counties
- Elevated at 112 feet
- The population is approximate 18,274
- Learn more about Cinco Ranch here