Colonoscopy in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test during which a long, slender scope is inserted through the anus and fed through the entire colon (large intestine). The scope has a flashlight and a recording device on the tip of it, which allows our GI physician to investigate the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy may be necessary to determine the reason for intestinal symptoms, such as loose stool, bowl in the stool, abdominal pain, or uncommon x-ray findings.
A colonoscopy might additionally be completed on an asymptomatic patient at age 45 or younger contingent on the client's history. As principal specialists in gastrointestinal wellness, the board-certified GI doctors at GastroGroup & Endocenter routinely carry out colonoscopy exams. Learn more about colonoscopies by requesting an appointment in one of our locations in Louisiana.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are the best defense against colon cancer development, which is why it’s extremely important that you have this colon cancer screening as suggested by your GI specialist. Preventive colonoscopy exams offer a great deal of benefits for your GI and general wellness. Some, but not all, of the benefits of this colon cancer screening are:
- Is the predominant screening option for colon cancer
- Detects and removes precancerous polyps
- Detects initial indications of colorectal cancer
- Could be a life-saving exam
- Identifies IBD, diverticulosis, and other GI conditions
With the help of advanced technology, colonoscopy exams are executed more conveniently, more comfortably, and more precisely than in previous years.
What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
You will get orders outlining bowel preparation instructions from your specialist at GastroGroup & Endocenter. Most patients adhere to a clear liquid diet a full 24 hours prior to the exam. There are a variety of laxative options available to totally clean out the colon. It is extremely important to follow the directions provided to you. There may be additional instructions regarding your medications. In most situations, your medications will be maintained as routine. For patients on blood thinners (i.e., Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and diabetics, special directions will be given regarding medications. In general, patients will be advised not to take anything after midnight excluding prescriptions.
You may be asked to arrive at the endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your test. This is so you can fill out paperwork and get ready for the procedure. You will wear a hospital robe and have an intravenous (IV) catheter inserted into your arm so that medication can be administered. You’ll be connected to a machine that allows the GI physician and nurse to monitor your pulse, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, breath, and oxygen level throughout and following the colonoscopy.
Once in the procedure room, you’ll be asked to lie on your left side and the IV medication will be administered slowly to ensure you have the quantity you require. When an ideal level of relaxation is achieved, the rectal examination will start. The scope will be slowly fed through the colon to where the small intestine and colon come together. A small amount of air is fed through the scope to allow the doctor to study the interior of the colon. Any remaining liquid in the intestine can be cleaned and suctioned out through the scope.
Based on the findings of the test, multiple issues can be addressed during the test, including biopsies, the extraction of growths, and the repression of bleeding. After the procedure, oxygen and any remaining fluid are removed from the colon by way of the scope. Depending on the results, the exam takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.
After the colonoscopy is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored while the IV drugs wear off. The amount of sedation administered and your reaction will determine how quickly wake up, though most clients are lucid enough for dismissal in about 45 – 60 minutes.
You should arrange for a ride home, as you won’t be permitted to drive the day of and the day following your colonoscopy. It's also advised to not sign legal documents, engage in strenuous activities, or work for the rest of the day. Many patients are able to eat and drink as usual following their discharge from the endoscopy office. However, specific directions concerning exercise, eating, and prescriptions are given before you leave.
When will I get my results?
Following the exam, the specialist and/or nurse will review the results of the colonoscopy with you. Many people will not recall what they are told after the exam because of sedation effects. When possible, it's suggested you bring someone with you to go over the results. You can also go home with a typed report. If a biopsy was done, you'll be informed of the results within seven days.
What are the other options for a colonoscopy?
The alternatives for a colonoscopy will depend on why a colonoscopy was necessary. In the majority of cases, a colonoscopy is the superior means to diagnose and treat irregularities in the colon. Though, there are different x-rays that can measure the colon, like a barium enema and virtual CT scan. However, these are merely diagnostic tests. Handling irregularities will need a colonoscopy or a surgical process.
Are there any risks with a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a quick exam where difficulties appear in fewer than 1% of patients. Many problems are not grave. However, if a difficulty arises, it might need hospitalization and surgery. Before the test, you'll be asked to review and sign a consent form with support staff. If any issues or problems appear, these can be talked about with your physician prior to starting the test.
Reactions to medication-related sedation can happen. These can involve allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, impacts on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and discomfort of the vein utilized to deliver the sedation.
Bleeding can happen with biopsies and the removal of tumors. Again, considerable bleeding, which may necessitate a blood donation or hospitalization, is uncommon. Although, bleeding can occur during the exam or up to two weeks following the exam if a polyp is extracted.
Perforation or puncture of the colon can happen. This could be recognized during the procedure, or it might not be noticeable until later in the day. In most instances, a puncture will require an operation and a hospital stay. This is an uncommon issue, even when polyps are removed. It is very important that you talk to our GI physician if symptoms emerge following the test, including increasing stomach discomfort, bleeding, or fever.
Just as with most other exams, a colonoscopy is not perfect. There is a small, accepted risk that irregularities, like tumors and cancers, can be undetected during the test. It is essential to continue follow-up appointments with our team at GastroGroup & Endocenter and to notify them of any recent or persistent symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age should you schedule a colonoscopy exam?
We recommend people who are at standard odds for colon cancer start having their colon cancer exam at age 45 years of age. In the event your personal risks for developing colon cancer are more than average or you are showing concerning indications of colon cancer, your gastroenterologist could suggest colonoscopies before 45.
How many years apart should you get colonoscopies?
Doctors advise getting a colonoscopy screening around every decade for individuals of ordinary risk, who have good health, and when they have colonoscopy results that are not concerning. After your screening, your gastroenterologist will let you know when you should schedule colon cancer exams from there on out.
Is a colonoscopy an uncomfortable process?
Sedation will be provided before your colonoscopy to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Based on the medication, many patients feel very mellow and even become drowsy, and many individuals sustain virtually no memory of the procedure. You can speak with your gastroenterologist about what you should anticipate during your consult.
What’s the average recovery period for a colonoscopy exam?
Most of the time, patients need about a full day to recover following a colonoscopy exam, and some patients feel well enough to maintain their everyday activities the subsequent day. If colon polyps are removed, the recovery time will likely last about a week. It is expected for you to notice some abdominal discomfort following a colon cancer screening, including bloating and cramping. Our GastroGroup and Endocenter team will go over additional details about what you can expect while you recover.
The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening
A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of testing for colorectal cancer. Unlike other screening approaches, a colonoscopy allows the whole colon to be examined. It also permits the discovery of tumors and their extraction in just one test. For several other screening approaches, the capacity to extract tumors is not available, and if the exam spots growths, you will probably need a colonoscopy. You can book a colonoscopy in Louisiana by contacting our office. A standard colonoscopy just might secure your well-being. If you would like to understand more about how to get a colonoscopy, contact GastroGroup & Endocenter today.
Reviews
The entire staff put me at ease in addition to saving my my life. Before I was completely awake from my procedure they already had me scheduled with the necessary physicians to continue my care. If I would not have done this simple colonoscopy I would have died from a slow internal bleed. This office and staff is the absolute best there is.
Dr. Traîner la very compassionate and listened To ail my concerns. Hé would not schedule my colonoscopy without talking to me first. Hé was definitely concerned with my safety.. Hé la very professional.
Dr. Rabito and his staff are just fabulous. Usually having a procedure as a colonoscopy is not pleasant. However, they made it effortless and painless. Thank you Dr. Rabito for a great job.
Great staff, great Dr. Was seen within 15 min of arriving. Dr took his time with me and was very thorough. He performed my previous colonoscopy several years ago and will be doing another next week.
Dr Rabito is very kind and highly skilled. All the people who work in the endo center are so nice and they make the experience a good one. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy and I wasn’t afraid in the least. Both procedures were painless.
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