Colonoscopy in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure during which a long, thin, flexible pipe or “scope” is positioned through the anus and fed through the entire large intestine (colon). The tube has a light and a camera on the tip of it, which enables the specialist to explore the interior of the colon. A colonoscopy might be done to diagnose the cause of intestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, bowl in the stool, stomach pain, or abnormal x-ray results.
A colonoscopy could additionally be performed on an asymptomatic patient at age 45 or sooner contingent on the patient’s history, to test for colorectal cancer and growths. As principal specialists in gastrointestinal health, the board-certified GI specialists at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology routinely perform colonoscopy tests. Please contact us to learn more about colonoscopies in Indianapolis, IN.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are the strongest defense against the development of colon cancer, so it is very important that you have these screenings as suggested by your gastroenterologist. Preventive colon cancer screenings provide several advantages for your gastrointestinal health and general wellness. A few of the benefits of a colonoscopy include the following:
- Uncovers and removes abnormal growths
- Detects early signs of colorectal cancer
- Identifies IBD, diverticulosis, and additional gastrointestinal conditions
- Can be life-saving
- Is the prevailing testing option for colon and/or rectal cancer
With the advancement of technology, colonoscopy exams are now completed more quickly, with less discomfort, and with greater accuracy than in the past.
What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
You will get instructions from your GI physician at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology regarding the necessary bowel preparation needed for the test. Most persons are on a diet of only clear fluids the full day prior to the procedure. There are numerous different choices for laxatives to totally empty out the colon. It is extremely vital to observe the directions given to you by your physician. There might also be extra directions respecting your prescriptions. In the majority of cases, your medications will be maintained as normal. However, in particular instances, especially in clients on blood thinners (i.e., warfarin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, unique instructions might be specified. Clients will be told not to consume anything following midnight excluding prescriptions.
You might be asked to appear at the endoscopy facility 1 – 1.5 hours before your exam. This is to enable time to fill out paperwork and get ready for the exam. You will be instructed to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your vein so that sedation can be administered. You will be hooked up to machines that will enable the specialist and support team to control your heart rate, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and after the colonoscopy.
Once in the exam room, you will be directed to lie on your left side. The IV sedation will be given. Tiny quantities are administered to help secure your protection and provide just the level you must have personally. Once an adequate amount of relaxation is accomplished, the specialist will carry out a rectal examination. The colonoscope will then be gently inserted through the anus. The scope will be carefully fed across the colon to where the small bowel and colon come together. A tiny measure of air is pumped using the scope and inside the colon to allow the physician to study the lining of the colon. Any water remaining in the colon after the preparation can be washed and suctioned out by way of the scope.
Contingent on the results of the test, several things might be done at the time of the exam, like biopsies, the extraction of polyps, and the management of bleeding. At the end of the exam, as much of the air and leftover fluid as viable is absorbed out of the colon through the scope. Based on the outcome, the procedure takes about 15 – 30 minutes.
After the procedure is finished, you will be taken to the recovery room to be supervised while the sedation starts to disappear. The quantity of medication utilized during the exam and your special response to the drug will decide how rapidly you will regain consciousness, though the majority of patients are awake enough for release in around 45 – 60 minutes.
You will not be allowed to drive for the rest of the day after your colonoscopy with our Indianapolis, IN team. Consequently, you will need to arrange for a ride back to your house. You will also be instructed not to work, sign legal papers, or undergo physical actions for the rest of the afternoon. Many patients are able to eat and consume liquids as normal after their dismissal from the endoscopy unit, although, personalized orders concerning physical activity, eating, and medicines will be given prior to discharge.
When will I get my results?
Upon conclusion of the exam, the specialist and/or support staff will go over the findings of the exam with you. The majority of patients will not remember what they are told following the procedure due to the effects of the medication. It is recommended, if feasible, to bring a friend or family member with you to whom the findings can also be talked about. You will also return home with a written account. You could be notified of any biopsy conclusions typically within seven days.
Are there other options for a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the test will rely on the basis of needing the colonoscopy in the first place. In the majority of situations, a colonoscopy is the best approach to appraise and treat deformities in the colon. However, there are other x-rays that can appraise the colon, including a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, though, merely diagnostic tests. Addressing abnormalities will need a colonoscopy or a surgical procedure.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Commonly, a colonoscopy is a very harmless test. In general, complications happen in less than 1% of people. Many problems are not potentially fatal. Be that as it may, if a difficulty arises, it might require hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the test, a permission form will be gone over with the patient by the nursing personnel. Should any inquiries or concerns emerge, these can be reviewed with your physician prior to beginning the exam.
Prescription reactions connected with IV medication can happen. These can involve but are not confined to, allergic responses, difficulty breathing, impacts on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and aggravation of the vein employed to give the medication.
Bleeding can arise with biopsies and the extraction of polyps. Again, significant bleeding, which may need a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is usually uncommon. Although, bleeding can occur at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks after the procedure if a tumor is removed.
Penetration or puncture of the bowel can transpire. This may be identified during the exam, or it might not be obvious until later in the afternoon. In the majority of instances, a puncture will need an operation and a hospital stay. This is an unusual complication, even when tumors are withdrawn.
It is extremely important that you contact your specialist's facility quickly if symptoms emerge following the exam, including heightening abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or elevated temperature.
Like any other test, a colonoscopy is not infallible. There is a tiny, acknowledged danger that abnormalities, such as tumors and cancers, can be undetected during the exam. It is crucial to continue to follow up with your specialist at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology as told and inform them of any recent or persistent symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age should you get a colonoscopy screening?
It is suggested patients who are at normal risk of developing colon cancer begin scheduling colonoscopies when they turn 45 years of age. If your personal risks for developing colon cancer are higher or if you are showing concerning symptoms of colon cancer, your gastroenterologist might recommend a colon cancer screening prior to 45.
How often should you get a colonoscopy screening?
Doctors advise getting these colon cancer screenings every decade for individuals who are at average risk, who are in favorable health, and who have colonoscopy results that are normal. Following your exam, your gastroenterologist will discuss with you how frequently you should schedule colonoscopy exams moving forward.
Will a colonoscopy be an uncomfortable exam?
Sedation will be administered before your colonoscopy to help ensure your comfort and relaxation while undergoing the procedure. Based on the type of sedation, patients may reach an intensely mellow state and possibly feel drowsy. Many individuals report virtually no recollection of the colonoscopy procedure. You can speak with your GI specialist about what you might experience during your consultation visit.
How long is the recovery period following a colonoscopy?
Generally, it takes around 24 hours to recuperate after having a colonoscopy, and many people are able to resume a normal routine the following day. If colon polyps are found and removed, recovery may take about a week. It is common to have some abdominal symptoms after a colonoscopy, including cramping and/or bloating. Our Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology team will provide additional information about what is expected during recovery.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
A colonoscopy is thought of as the “gold standard” of all testing methods for colon cancer. Unlike other testing methods, a colonoscopy enables for the examination of the complete colon. In addition to providing the most comprehensive screening, it also permits the discovery of growths and their extraction within one procedure. For some different testing methods, the ability to remove tumors is not present and, if the exam returns affirmative for polyps, you will likely require a colonoscopy. You can schedule a colonoscopy in Indianapolis, IN by contacting our facility. A regular colonoscopy just may save your life. If you would like more information regarding how to obtain a colonoscopy, contact Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology without delay.
Colonoscopy Videos
Reviews
All went well with my recent colonoscopy. Dr. Haynes was kind and professional. All my nurses were considerate and helpful.
Dr. Jacob Has been my gastroenterologist for 20+ years - colonoscopy and more - and I can't imagine seeing anyone else.
Although a colonoscopy is not a fun thing to review... Indy Gastro and Dr. Morelli are some of the best in their field.
I had an awesome experience for my procedure at The Endoscopy Center. From check-in to pre-procedure, to procedure room, to recovery and departure, everything was top notch. Everyone was kind, courteous, efficient, and professional which put me at ease. I was happy to have my screening colonoscopy exam done by a highly skilled, experienced team with exceptional quality. Dr. Cheng is compassionate and caring in addition to being knowledgeable and technically skilled. Will 100% return here for my surveillance exams without hesitation.
Doctor Drake is thorough and listens to patients. When I had a questionable result from a colonoscopy, he ran tests a second time then has been diligent in his follow up.
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