Along with aging comes the responsibility to take your health by the horns, seeking out preventative care and ensuring that your body 
keeps up with your mind. A common and important procedure for people over 50 is a colonoscopy. But what does a colonoscopy search for and when does it become necessary? Find out more about the why and when doctors recommend colonoscopy with Dr. Glenn Madokoro at Newport Beach Gastroenterology in Newport Beach, CA.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a preventative procedure which scans the colon for a variety of medical reasons. The procedure itself uses a long, thin tube, called a colonoscope, inserted through the rectum into the colon. The colonoscope has a camera on the end and is just wide enough to thread specialized, miniature tools through to take biopsies or other tasks.
Why did my doctor recommend a colonoscopy?
According to the American Cancer Society, people over the age of 50 with an average risk of developing colon cancer should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. In addition to these regular screenings for colorectal cancer, your doctor may also suggest a colonoscopy to investigate symptoms of distress like abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, abnormalities on imagining tests like x-rays, or a sudden change in your bowel habits.
What can I expect during a colonoscopy treatment?
Prior to your treatment, your doctor will ask you to fast, drink plenty of clear liquids, and take laxatives to clean out the bowels before your procedure. Your doctor will use sedatives to make you fall asleep during your procedure. Due to the sedatives, you will also need someone there with you to drive you home. Your doctor inserts the colonoscope and uses its light and camera to examine the lining of your colon, searching for abnormalities like polyps. If your doctor finds a polyp, they may take a biopsy with specialized tools.
Colonoscopy in Newport Beach, CA
Colonoscopy is a powerful and effective preventative procedure. Colorectal cancer grows slowly over a long period of time, making it highly treatable if caught in its earliest stages. This makes regular colonoscopies highly beneficial to your long-term health. For more information on colonoscopy, please contact your Newport Beach, CA gastroenterologist, Dr. Glenn Madokoro, at Newport Beach Gastroenterology. Call (949) 548-8800 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Madokoro today!