What to Expect During a Colonoscopy

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in this country? Did you also know that there is a very effective diagnostic tool to detect colorectal cancer? It’s called a colonoscopy. Drs. Pear Enam, Rashid Hanif, and Urooj Ahmed at Gastroenterology Associates in Hagerstown, MD, provide comprehensive GI services, including colonoscopies.

What You Need to Know about Having a Colonoscopy

If you are at least 45 years old and have not had a colonoscopy, it’s time to visit your gastroenterologist. As a general guideline, you should have your first colonoscopy by the time you are 45 years old, and every few years after that. Your gastroenterologist may also recommend a colonoscopy if you are experiencing:

• Bleeding in your rectum
• Blood in your stool
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic constipation
• Frequent abdominal pain

To prepare for your colonoscopy, you will consume only liquids, and take prepared laxatives to clean out your colon before the colonoscopy. During your colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will sedate you, so you must remember to bring someone with you who can drive you home afterward.

A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube, known as a colonoscope. This tube is inserted into your rectum and guided up into your colon. A tiny camera is attached to one end, which will enable your gastroenterologist to view your colon.

During the procedure, if any abnormal tissue or polyps are found, they can be removed for biopsy. A biopsy can determine if there are abnormal or cancerous cells present. The colonoscopy procedure only takes about 45 minutes, but the entire process takes about 2 to 3 hours, due to recovery from the sedation.

Talk with Our Gastroenterologist Today

To find out more about what to expect during a colonoscopy, call Drs. Pear Enam, Rashid Hanif, and Urooj Ahmed at Gastroenterology Associates in Hagerstown, MD. You can reach them in the office by calling (301) 733-4404, so call today.