Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities by inserting a thin flexible tube, as thick as your finger, into your anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and colon.
Four Different Prep Options
Suprep
Here is all you need to know about how to properly get yourself prepared for a colonoscopy while using Suprep.
Miralax
Here is all you need to know about how to properly get yourself prepared for a colonoscopy while using Miralax.
Sutab
Here is all you need to know about how to properly get yourself prepared for a colonoscopy while using Sutab.
Nulytely
Here is all you need to know about how to properly get yourself prepared for a colonoscopy while using Nulytely.
Why Colorectal screening is important?
Many colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening is important because when found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. The early stages of colorectal cancer usually present no symptoms. Symptoms tend to appear as cancer progresses.
A colonoscopy is the best screening test available for colorectal cancer. It is the only screening test that can detect many colorectal cancers.
- During a colonoscopy, your doctor examines the lining of your entire colon to check for polyps or tumors. If any polyps are found, they can be removed immediately.
- On the day of the colonoscopy, you will receive medication to help you relax. Most people fall asleep and do not remember much about the test when they wake up.
- Your doctor performs a colonoscopy by inserting a long, thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your colon through the rectum. The tube has a tiny video camera and light at the end that sends images to a video monitor.
- Before the procedure, you will receive instructions from your doctor on what to eat and how to empty your bowels.
- It is generally recommended to start having colonoscopies at age 45, regardless of gender. People at increased risk of colorectal cancer may start earlier, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor will also tell you when you will need another colonoscopy.
What Are Some of the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
A risk factor is anything that raises your chances of developing cancer. The following are some of the known risk factors for colorectal cancer. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk and how often you should be screened.
Age
Colorectal cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.
Personal and Family History
People who have a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer are at a higher risk of developing it themselves, especially if the family member was diagnosed before the age of 60. People who have had colorectal cancer are at higher risk of recurrence (cancer returning). People with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps are also at increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Race
Black and African American individuals are at higher risk. The reasons for this are not fully understood.
Jews of Eastern European descent
About 6% of American Jews who are of eastern European descent have DNA changes that increase their risk of colorectal cancer. For more information, ask your doctor about comprehensive biomarker testing, which may include genetic testing for inherited cancer risk.
Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBD)
IBD, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, puts you at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle
Being overweight, having an inactive lifestyle, a diet high in red meat and processed meat, smoking and heavy alcohol use can increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
Possible Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms. They may be signs of colorectal cancer or another treatable condition.
– A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks
– A feeling of having to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away even after doing so
– Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool
– Stomach discomfort, including bloating or steady abdominal pain
– Unexplained weakness or fatigue
– Unexplained weight loss
Ride Policy
Please be aware that for your safety, Southwestern Endoscopy Center has a Ride Home Policy. It is imperative that you are aware of and understand this policy prior to your procedure.
Patients should be accompanied home by a responsible adult known to the patient 16 or older.
Acceptable alternatives when the patient has no responsible adult available to drive them home are as follows:
Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation F.A.C.T https://www.factbus.com/schedules.htm
Green County Transportation https://www.co.greene.pa.us/department-transportation-services
If you don’t have a driver we will cancel your procedure.
Don’t forget!
Bring insurance card and photo ID 📇
Please wear a mask upon entry to the facility 😷
Plan to be here for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours 🕜
Contact Us
Southwestern Endoscopy Center
302 Spring Creek Lane
Uniontown, PA 15401
Phone: (724) 439-8906
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Procedure Hours:
Mon - Fri: 6:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.