Colonoscopy in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test during which a lengthy, thin, adjustable tube or “scope” is positioned through the rectum and fed through the length of the colon (large intestine). The tube has a flashlight and a camera on the end of it, which permits the specialist to explore the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy could be performed to diagnose the reason for GI symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloody stool, gut pain, or uncommon x-ray findings.
A colonoscopy may additionally be performed on an asymptomatic patient at age 45, or sooner depending on the patient’s history, to test for colon cancer and tumors. As principal specialists in digestive wellness, the board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas frequently perform colonoscopy procedures. Please call us for scheduling colonoscopies near Dallas, TX.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy exams are the best safeguard against colon cancer, making it very important to obtain a colonoscopy as advised by your physician. Routine colon cancer screenings can offer many advantages for your GI health and general wellness. Some of the benefits of having routine colonoscopy exams are:
- Find and remove precancerous polyps
- Discover early signs of colon and rectal cancer
- Detect inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, and other GI issues
- Can be a life-saving exam
- Is the predominant screening option for colorectal cancer
Thanks to advancing technology, colorectal cancer screenings are completed faster, with less discomfort, and with more precision than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You will receive orders from your specialist at Digestive Health Associates of Texas in relation to the essential bowel preparation to get you ready for your exam. The majority of clients could be on clear liquids up to 24 hours prior to the test. There are several distinct alternatives for laxatives to totally clear out the colon. It is quite important to follow the directions provided by your physician. There might also be extra orders concerning your medications. In the majority of situations, your prescriptions will be continued as usual. However, in certain instances, specifically in clients on blood thinners and diabetics, particular orders could be specified.
You will be directed to appear at the endoscopy office at Digestive Health Associates of Texas 1 – 1.5 hours before your exam. This is to allow time to fill out documentation and prepare for the colonoscopy. You will be asked to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your arm so that calming drugs can be given. You will be connected to equipment that will enable the doctor and staff to monitor your pulse, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, breath, and oxygen concentration during and following the colonoscopy.
Once in the exam room, you will be instructed to lie on your left side on the stretcher. The IV medication will be administered. Tiny adjustments are made to check for your protection and deliver only the amount you must have individually. When an adequate amount of sedation is provided, the physician will do a rectal examination. The colonoscope will then be delicately placed through the anus. The scope will be carefully fed across the colon to where the tiny intestine and colon meet. A little bit of air is pumped through the scope and within the colon to allow the physician to study the interior of the colon. Any liquid remaining in the intestine following the preparation can be cleaned and absorbed through the scope.
Based on the outcome of the procedure, a few things can be done at the moment of the procedure, for instance, biopsies, the elimination of growths, and the control of bleeding. At the finish of the colonoscopy, as much of the gas and remaining fluid as possible is suctioned out of the colon with the scope. Depending on the findings, the procedure takes around 15 – 30 minutes.
After the procedure is complete, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be supervised while the sedation begins to dissipate. The amount of sedation utilized during the test and your personal reaction to the sedation will establish how quickly you will awaken, though most clients are lucid enough for discharge in about 45 – 60 minutes.
You will not be advised to drive for the remainder of the day after your colonoscopy; as a result, you will want to arrange for a ride back to your house. You will also be instructed not to work, sign legal documents, or do strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Many clients are able to eat and drink normally after their dismissal from the endoscopy office; although, unique directions regarding exercise, eating, and medicines will be provided before release.
When can I expect my results?
Upon conclusion of your exam, your physician and/or support staff will inspect the conclusions of the exam with you. Many patients will not remember what they are notified of following the test due to the effects of the medication. It is suggested, if possible, to take someone with you to whom the outcome can also be addressed. You might also go home with a printed report. You will be told of any biopsy results usually within seven days.
What are the other options for a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the procedure will rely on the basis for necessitating your colonoscopy in Dallas, TX to begin with. In most situations, a colonoscopy is the most ideal method to appraise and handle irregularities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are other x-rays that can appraise the colon, such as a barium enema and virtual CT scan. These are, however, solely diagnostic tests. Treatment of abnormalities will require a colonoscopy or surgery.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Usually, a colonoscopy is an extremely safe exam. All in all, problems appear in less than 1% of clients. Many complexities are not potentially fatal. But if a difficulty occurs, it may involve hospitalization and an operation. Before the procedure, an acceptance document will be reviewed with you by the nursing team. Should any doubts or problems emerge, these can be addressed with your physician prior to beginning the test.
Medication responses related to the IV medication can occur. These could include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, issues breathing, consequences on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to give the medication.
Bleeding can happen with biopsies and the withdrawal of polyps. Again, substantial bleeding, which may need a blood donation or hospitalization, is extremely rare. However, bleeding can happen at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks following the exam if a tumor is eliminated.
Penetration or puncture of the bowel can transpire. This might be recognized during the test, or it may not be apparent before later in the evening. In many instances, a penetration will need an operation and hospitalization. This is an uncommon difficulty, even when polyps are removed.
It is quite vital that you call your specialist's facility without delay if symptoms arise after the procedure, such as increasing intestinal discomfort, bleeding, or elevated temperature.
Just as with most other exams, a colonoscopy is not infallible. There is a tiny, accepted danger that abnormalities, like growths and cancers, can be overlooked during the procedure. It is essential to maintain appointments with your specialist at Digestive Health Associates of Texas as advised and tell them of any new or constant symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
By what age should you schedule your colonoscopy?
We recommend individuals who are at average odds of getting colon cancer begin scheduling a colon cancer screening when they turn 45 years old. If you are at greater risk of colon cancer or you are showing distressing symptoms of colon cancer, your GI doctor could advise having a colonoscopy before the standard age of 45.
After 45, when is it recommended you get colon cancer screenings?
Doctors generally suggest getting a colon cancer screening about every decade for individuals of average risk, who are of normal health, and have charts that are unconcerning. After your screening, your GI doctor will let you know when you need to have colonoscopy screenings from here on out.
Is my colonoscopy going to be an uncomfortable process?
Sedation will be provided before your colonoscopy to help ensure your comfortable while undergoing the screening. Based on the medication, a number of people experience an intensely calm state and even feel drowsy, and many patients have no recollection of the procedure. Feel free to discuss with your colonoscopy doctor about what you can anticipate when at your consultation visit.
What is the recovery period for a colonoscopy exam?
Most of the time, you can expect it to take around 24 hours to recover, and most people can maintain normal activities the next day. It's common to experience some gastric discomfort following your colonoscopy exam, like cramping and bloating. Our Digestive Health Associates of Texas doctors will give you further info on what to expect during your recovery.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
A colonoscopy is believed to be the “gold standard” of all colon cancer testing methods. Unlike many screening methods, a colonoscopy permits the examination of the complete colon. As well as providing the most thorough investigation, it also permits the exposure of polyps and their extraction during one procedure. For several other screening approaches, the ability to withdraw tumors is not accessible, and if the procedure returns positive for polyps, you will likely need a colonoscopy. You can schedule a colonoscopy in Dallas, TX by contacting our practice. A standard colonoscopy just might save your life. If you would like to know more regarding how to get a colonoscopy, contact Digestive Health Associates of Texas as soon as possible.
Colonoscopy Videos
Reviews
Linda Weber is very caring in this office; she is Practice manger for Dr. David Magee. I am doing my Colonoscopy next week with Dr. Magee.
Dr. Akerman and his staff are fantastic! My daughter had an endoscopy and was super nervous because I couldn't go in with her due to COVID restrictions. He was so sweet and comforting. That goes a long way with a concerned Mom. :-) I also recently had a colonoscopy and he and everyone at the facility were awesome. Highly recommend!
My dad just had a colonoscopy with this doctor and wanted to give him a good review in regards to his and his staff's professionalism and attitude when answering some rather blunt questions in regards to medical concerns, overall a wonderful experience when we sit on the side of caution with my dad's post-colon cancer check-ups
Not wanting to proceed with a colonoscopy but after meeting this doctor I decided to go ahead with the procedure. He was very detailed as he explained to me why it is so important to have a colon cancer screening. Must say I was please with his ability to convince me to get this done and based on the out come I am recommending him to all my family and friends.
So far I have had four Colonoscopy examinations. The last one was with Dr. Syed Hasan and I will rate it as the best. Let me thank the entire team for providing me with a very pleasant experience.
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