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Endoscopy refers to a minimally-invasive procedure where the surgeon examines the inside lining of the digestive tract using an endoscope with a flexible fiber-optic tube with a tiny TV camera at the end. Both Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy are performed in an outpatient setting with mild sedation and can be scheduled with or without previously seeing a surgeon.

• Upper Endoscopy – The surgeon uses a lighted camera and examines the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines to look for causes of pain, bleeding, or any problems with swallowing.

• Colonoscopy – The surgeon uses a lighted camera and examines the inner lining of the rectum and the entire colon. Every patient starting at age 45 is entitled to a  colonoscopy from their insurance for cancer surveillance.

 

Colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of examining the full lining of the colon and rectum using a flexible, tubular instrument. Colonoscopies are done to diagnose colon and rectum problems and to perform biopsies and remove colon polyps.

Before this test, you will need to clean out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days, depending on which type your doctor recommends. A majority of colonoscopies are performed on an outpatient basis with minimal discomfort.

When should you have a colonoscopy?

• Recommended for adults 45 or older as part of a colorectal cancer screening program

• If there is a known family history of colon-rectal cancer, colonoscopy screens may need to start much earlier

• Colonoscopies are recommended for patients whose bowel habits have changed or if they experience bleeding

Why are colonoscopies important?

Colon cancer is found 1 in every 20 individuals, making it the second most common cancer in the United States. If colon, breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer runs in your family, your risk is even higher.