A colonoscopy, which is also used to screen for colon cancer, is a test that utilizes a long, thin camera called a colonoscope to look inside the colon (large intestine). This device allows doctors to detect changes or abnormalities in the rectum and large intestine. During a colonoscopy in NYC, tissue may also be removed for the purpose of eliminating polyps or other harmful growths, or for taking a biopsy sample.
How Do You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?
Before your colon cancer exam, you may require medical clearance for anesthesia from a qualified physician. You can schedule a colonoscopy after meeting one of our gastroenterology providers. Your physician will recommend the right bowel preparation prescription for you.
Three days prior to your colonoscopy, avoid leafy greens and foods with small seeds, popcorn or quinoa, that can be difficult to clean out of the colon. Ask your doctor about any dietary concerns. The day before the procedure, you will be instructed to eat a small breakfast and then start a clear liquid diet up until 4 hours prior to the procedure. The day before the colonoscopy, you will be given medications to clean out your colon. You will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking 4 hours prior to the procedure.
Why Should I Have a Colonoscopy Performed?
A colonoscopy in NYC can help identify the cause of chronic diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. More importantly, it can detect early signs of colorectal cancer, which is one the rise and the second to third leading cause of cancer in the United States. When found early, colon cancer is often preventable and highly treatable.
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
It is generally recommended to have a colonoscopy every five to ten years starting at age 45. If you have a close relative diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, you may need a screening earlier and at a shorter interval.
What Can You Expect During a Colonoscopy?
During your colonoscopy, anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure you are comfortable and asleep during the procedure. The procedure typically lasts less than an hour.
Follow-Up and Recovery After a Colonoscopy
It takes up to an hour to recover from anesthesia, but you may remain slightly groggy or tired for a few hours after the procedure. If you have an escort to pick you up, arrange for them to take you home after the procedure. If you do not have an escort available and feel comfortable going home on your own, our office allows you to go home without an escort. We’ll review your colonoscopy results with you, including any recommendations, prior to discharging you. If no abnormalities are found, you may not need another colonoscopy for 5–10 years. If polyps or suspicious tissue are detected, we may recommend earlier follow-up.
Potential Costs for a Colonoscopy
Under the Affordable Care Act, preventative (screening) colonoscopies are typically covered by both private insurance and Medicare if no samples are taken during the procedure. Check with your insurance provider for exact coverage details.
Potential Risks of a Colonoscopy
Risks are minimal, but may include reactions to anesthesia, temporary blood in the stool (especially if tissue was removed), or in rare cases, a tear in the colon wall. Contact your doctor if you experience ongoing or excessive bleeding.
Related Tests or Treatments
In addition to colonoscopies in NYC, Medical Offices of Manhattan also offers endoscopies (gastroscopies), capsule endoscopies, liver evaluations and screenings for other types of cancer.
Pratima Dibba, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an extensive background in gastroenterology, nutrition, and women’s gastrointestinal health. She is passionate about preventive gastrointestinal care, colon cancer screening, and overall digestive health. A graduate of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts,... Learn More »
