Colonoscopy in Houston - HGA
Dr. Gordon and Li are Specialists in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.
Contents:
What is a colonoscopy?
What preparation is required?
Can I take my current medications?
What happens during a colonoscopy?
What if the colonoscopy shows something abnormal?
What are polyps and why are they removed?
How are polyps removed?
What happens after a colonoscopy?
What are the possible complications of colonoscopy?
What is a colonoscopy?
They specialize in performing colonoscopies where they examine the lining of your colon for abnormalities. Using a flexible tube, that is inserted into your anus, it slowly advances it into the rectum and colon. This procedure is incredibly accurate and help in the process of diagnosis.
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What preparation is required?
Before the procedure, Dr. Gordon and Li will tell you exactly what dietary measures to take and what special cleansing routine to use. Generally speaking, consuming a large volume of a special cleansing solution or clear liquids and special oral laxatives, help the colon to be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete.
Don't wait any longer, get a confidential, trusted colonoscopy done from Houston's most trusted gastroenterologists.
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Can I take my current medications?
Most medications can be continued as usual, but some medications can interfere with the preparation or the examination. Inform your doctor about medications you're taking, particularly aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners), insulin or iron products. Also, be sure to mention allergies you have to medications.
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What happens during a colonoscopy?
A Colonoscopy rarely causes much pain. You might tend to feel some pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure. However your HGA doctor might use a sedative to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort.
While your doctor slowly advances a colonoscope through your large intestine, you will lie on your side or back. By examining the lining, your doctor slowly withdraws the colonoscope. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes to 1 hour. Keep in mind that you should plan two to three hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.
In some cases, your HGA doctor might need extended examination and cannot pass the colonoscope through the entire colon to where it meets the small intestine. In that case, it is wise to consult with your specialized HGA doctor for further evaluation.
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What if the colonoscopy shows something abnormal?
If further evaluation is needed, your HGA doctor might pass an instrument through the colonoscope to obtain a biopsy, a sample of the colon lining, to be analyzed. Typically, biopsies are used to identify many conditions, and if cancer is suspected, your HGA doctor might recommend one.
Additionally, if a colonoscopy is performed specifically to identify sites of bleeding, your HGA doctor might be able to control the bleeding through the colonoscope by injecting medications. There is another option to identify sites of bleeding, called coagulation. This requires sealing off bleeding vessels with heat treatment.
Your HGA doctor might also find polyps during colonoscopy, and they will most likely remove them during the examination. These procedures don't usually cause any pain and are effective in successfully treating abnormalities.
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What are polyps and why are they removed?
Varying in size from a tiny spec to several inches, polyps are abnormal growths in the colon lining that are usually noncancerous. Your HGA doctor can't always tell a benign polyp from a cancerous one, simply by its outer appearance, so they might send removed polyps for analysis. Removing them is an important means of preventing colorectal cancer, because cancer begins in polyps.
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How are polyps removed?
Well, HGA's doctors might destroy tiny polyps by burning or by removing them with wire loops (snares) or even with biopsy instruments. Your doctor might use a technique called "snare polypectomy" to remove larger polyps. By passing a wire loop through the colonoscope and removing the polyp from the intestinal wall using an electrical current, removal is easily developed. Again, you should be reassured that you will not feel any pain during the polypectomy.
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What happens after a colonoscopy?
This is a common question among our patients. Your HGA physician will explain the results of the examination to you, although you'll probably have to wait for the results of any biopsies performed.
Just to be forewarned, if you have been given sedatives during the procedure, someone must drive you home and stay with you. We understand that even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the remainder of the day. You might have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas.
You should be able to eat after the examination, but your doctor might restrict your diet and activities, especially after polypectomy.
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What are the possible complications of colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies and polypectomies are generally safe when performed by HGA doctors who have been specially trained and are experienced in these procedures.
Take into account, that one possible complication is a perforation, or tear, through the bowel wall that could require surgery. Somtimes, bleeding might also occur at the site of biopsy or polypectomy, but it's usually minor. Bleeding can also stop on its own or be controlled through the colonoscope; it rarely requires follow-up treatment. Some patients might have a reaction to the sedatives or complications from heart or lung disease.
Although complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, it's very important to recognize early signs of possible complications. Contact your HGA doctor if you notice severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. Note that bleeding can occur several days after the procedure.
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We provide the best medical care tailored to your needs.
Call our offices and see how we can answer any other questions that you might have.
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