A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that enables a doctor or gastroenterologist to view inside an individual’s colon, also referred to as your large intestine, in addition to the rectum. Colonoscopies use a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope that is attached with a light and tiny video camera at one end to examine the inside of the entire colon and rectum. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities, such as hemorrhoids, inflammation, polyps, and other issues. The procedure is performed under anesthesia so that patients will not feel any pain or discomfort during the colonoscopy.

If you are dealing with any of the following symptoms, your doctor or gastroenterologist may recommend having a colonoscopy performed:

– Abdominal pain
– Anemia, due to low iron levels
– Black, bloody, or tarry stools
– Mucus or pus in the stool
– Polyps found on a barium enema, CT scan, sigmoidoscopy, or X-ray exam
– Rectal bleeding
– Unexplained weight loss
– Unusual changes in bowel movements, including unexplained and persistent diarrhea, extreme constipation, and more

If you are dealing with any of the above symptoms, our board-certified gastroenterologist and medical professionals at Diamond Gastroenterology can provide excellent colonoscopy services should you require one. Colonoscopy screenings are also recommended for adults aged 45 and older.

The colonoscopy itself should not take much longer than 40 to 45 minutes. However, since anesthesia will most likely be involved, the total amount of time spent at the clinic may be between two to three hours. Moreover, since you will be under anesthesia for the procedure, you should plan to have someone drive you home from the clinic after the procedure is complete and you are cleared to leave.

During the colonoscopy procedure, you will first be asked to change into a hospital gown. Once you are ready, an intravenous line will be inserted into the back of your hand to administer the anesthesia, which will either be conscious sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure will most likely occur with you lying on your left side with your knees drawn up toward your chest. Your gastroenterologist may also expand the colon with a small amount of air after the anesthesia has taken hold to see the colon walls. The colonoscope is then inserted to view and assess the entire colon. If there are polyps to remove, the procedure will take longer than 45 minutes.

After the procedure, you will need to say in a recovery room for observation until you are ready for discharge. Your gastroenterologist will also provide you with post-procedure instructions for recovery time and things to avoid. That said, recovery time should be minimal.

A colonoscopy can detect conditions and illnesses that show up in the lower half of your digestive system. With that in mind, a few conditions that colonoscopies are commonly used to diagnose include the following:

– Colorectal cancer
– Colon polyps or tumors
– Inflammatory bowel disease conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Early detection of polyps and tumors via a colonoscopy can allow them to be removed before they become cancerous. As such, they can be incredibly beneficial to your long-term health if your doctor suspects you are dealing with colon polyps or tumors.

For more information, please call us. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL, Elmwood Park IL, Chicago IL, La Grange IL, Broadview IL, and surrounding areas.