How a colonoscopy from your gastroenterologist in Newport Beach, CA, can protect your health
Did you know that having a colonoscopy can save your life? A colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic procedure used to diagnose colorectal cancer in its early stages. Colorectal cancer is the third highest cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Dr. Glenn Madokoro in Newport Beach, CA, provides a wide range of gastroenterology services, including colonoscopies.
A colonoscopy is recommended by the time you reach age 50. For a colonoscopy, your bowels must be clean and easily viewed. To prepare for your colonoscopy you need to:
- Limit your diet to only clear liquids to help keep your bowels clean
- Take the recommended amount of prepared laxatives to clean out your bowels
- Tell your gastroenterologist beforehand if you take aspirin, iron, insulin, anticoagulants, or arthritis medications.
- Bring someone with you to drive you home after your procedure.
During the procedure you will be sedated, so you may not remember much of the procedure. Your gastroenterologist will use a flexible tube which has a camera attached to one end. The tube is inserted into your rectum and guided through your colon.
The camera allows your gastroenterologist to examine your intestines. Your gastroenterologist will check for any polyps or abnormal tissue. Growths such as polyps will be removed during the procedure. If your gastroenterologist finds any abnormal tissue, a small tissue sample will be removed for a biopsy. A biopsy is a definitive way to check for abnormalities, precancerous, or cancerous tissue on a cellular level.
A colonoscopy takes about 45 minutes, but due to sedation, you will need to spend two to three hours in the office, to recover from the procedure.
To learn more about how to prepare for a colonoscopy and the colonoscopy procedure, call Dr. Glenn Madokoro in Newport Beach, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (949) 548-8800, so call now.