Colonoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test during which a lengthy, slender, adjustable tube — or "scope" — is inserted into the rectum and run through the whole large intestine (colon). The pipe has a light and a video camera on the tip of it, which enables the doctor to investigate the interior of the colon. A colonoscopy may be carried out to identify the reason for gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, bleeding, stomach pain, or abnormal x-ray findings.
A colonoscopy may additionally be done on an asymptomatic patient at 45 years old (or younger, based on their medical history) to screen for colorectal cancer and polyps. As principal specialists in gastrointestinal wellness, the board-certified GI doctors at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC frequently carry out colonoscopy exams. Please contact us to learn more about colonoscopies in Hattiesburg, MS.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the best safeguard against colon cancer development, so it is highly important that you schedule this colon cancer screening as advised by your gastroenterologist. Having routine colon cancer screenings can offer a number of benefits for your GI wellness and general health. The advantages of colonoscopy exams include the following:
- Provide the most effective exam for colon and rectal cancer
- Discover initial indications of colorectal cancer
- Detect and remove precancerous polyps
- Identify diverticulosis, IBD, and other gastrointestinal conditions
- Can be life-saving
Due to advancing technology, colonoscopy exams are performed more comfortably, with more efficiency, and with greater accuracy than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You will receive directions from your doctor at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC concerning the required bowel preparations for your exam. The majority of patients are asked to drink only clear liquids for 24 hours before the test. You will also need to take laxatives to completely empty out the colon for the procedure. It is crucial that you follow the directions your provider gives for this period before the colonoscopy. There could also be further orders regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, you will be allowed to take any necessary medications as normal. Having said that, special instructions may be provided for diabetics or patients on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, aspirin, or anti-inflammatories). You will be directed not to take anything after midnight excluding prescriptions.
You will be instructed to appear at the endoscopy location 1 – 1.5 hours before your exam. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm so that a sedative can be given. You will also be connected to equipment that will allow the physician and nurses to monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration during and following the colonoscopy.
When you reach the exam room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the gurney. The IV medication will be administered. Small quantities are administered to help ensure your safety and give merely the quantity you require individually. When a sufficient amount of sedation is reached, the specialist will do a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be softly introduced through the anus. The scope will be cautiously fed throughout the colon to where the small bowel and colon come together. A slight amount of air is fed into the colon through the scope to allow the specialist to see the lining of the organ. Any water remaining in the intestine after the preparation can be washed and absorbed by way of the scope.
Based on what the doctor finds, additional tasks may be carried out at the time of the exam, including biopsies, the excision of polyps, and treatment to manage bleeding. When the exam is done, the physician will use the scope to suck out as much of the remaining air and water from your colon as they can. Depending on the outcome, the procedure takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.
Once the procedure is done, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be monitored while the sedative starts to wear off. The quantity of medication used during the procedure and your individual response to it will influence how quickly you will regain consciousness, though the majority of clients are lucid enough for discharge within 45 – 60 minutes.
You should not drive for the rest of the afternoon after your colonoscopy with our Hattiesburg, MS GI doctors, so make plans to have a friend or loved one take you home. You also should not work, sign legal documents, or engage in strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Many people are able to eat and consume liquids as usual after their release from the endoscopy office; however, personalized orders with regards to physical activity, eating, and medicines will be given before release.
When can I expect my colonoscopy results?
Following the exam, the specialist and/or support staff will go over the results of the test with you. You will probably not recall much of the discussion following the procedure due to the aftereffects of the sedation. It is recommended, if possible, to take someone with you who you can trust to sit in for this conversation. You might also go home with a typed report. You will be told of any biopsy conclusions commonly within one week.
Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the exam will depend on the reason for requiring the colonoscopy in the first place. In many situations, a colonoscopy is the leading approach to appraise and address deformities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are different x-rays that can examine the colon, including a barium enema and virtual CT scan. These are, however, merely diagnostic exams. Treating abnormalities will require a colonoscopy or a surgical process.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Generally speaking, a colonoscopy is a very safe examination. Overall, difficulties occur in less than 1% of individuals. The majority of complications are not grave. However, if a difficulty occurs, it could lead to hospitalization and surgery. Before the test, a consent form is reviewed with the individual by our support staff. Should any questions or problems emerge, these can be reviewed with your physician before commencing the test.
Adverse responses related to the IV medication can arise. These can include, but are not confined to, allergic reactions, issues with breathing, effects on the heart and blood pressure, and discomfort in the vein used to give the sedation.
Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. It's worth noting that substantial bleeding, which might necessitate a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is extremely rare. Bleeding can happen at the time of the test or up to two weeks after the test if a tumor is removed.
Penetration or puncture of the colon can occur. This could be recognized at the time of the exam, or it might not be noticeable until sometime later. In the majority of cases, a perforation will require an operation and a hospital stay. This is an unusual difficulty, even when polyps are extracted.
It is very important that you talk to the staff at our facility immediately if symptoms arise after the procedure, including worsening stomach pain, bleeding, or fever.
Just as with most other procedures, a colonoscopy is not infallible. There is a minute, acknowledged danger that irregularities, like tumors and cancers, can go unidentified during the exam. It is important to continue to maintain appointments with your physician at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC as advised and inform them of any developing or ongoing symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
When is it suggested to schedule a colonoscopy exam?
We recommend people of standard odds for colon cancer begin having a colonoscopy exam around age 45. However, if your chances of colon cancer are more than average or if you are showing worrisome signs of colon cancer, your GI doctor might suggest getting a colonoscopy earlier than the standard age of 45.
How many years apart should you receive colon cancer screenings?
Doctors suggest receiving a colonoscopy screening every ten years for individuals who are at general risk, are in normal health, and have test results that are normal. Following your exam, your provider will discuss with you how many years apart you will want to have colonoscopy exams moving forward.
Is my colonoscopy going to be a painful process?
Sedation will be provided before your colon exam to help maximize your comfort. Depending on the method of sedation, many patients experience a very calm state during their exam and may become drowsy. In fact, many patients report virtually no memory of their procedure. Don’t hesitate to speak with your GI specialist about what to anticipate during your consultation visit.
What’s the average recovery for my colonoscopy exam?
On average, patients need somewhere around 24 hours to recover, and many are able to resume their normal activities the next day. If colorectal polyps are found and removed, the recovery period may take about a week. It is not uncommon to notice a few abdominal symptoms after your colon cancer screening, such as cramping and/or bloating. Our Hattiesburg GI Associates doctors will give you further information about what to expect while you recover.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
A colonoscopy is often regarded as the "gold standard" of all testing systems for colon cancer. Unlike other testing approaches, a colonoscopy permits the investigation of the whole colon. As well as offering the most comprehensive examination, it also makes it possible to both find and excise polyps within one test. The capacity to remove tumors is simply not available for some other testing methods, and if the procedure results come back positive for growths, you will probably need a colonoscopy. You can schedule a colonoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS by contacting our team. A regular colonoscopy just may save your life. If you would like to learn more regarding how to schedule or prepare for a colonoscopy, talk to a local GI specialist at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC as soon as possible.
Colonoscopy Videos
Reviews
Dr farmer is excellent I was at ease with my colonoscopy the staff is so friendly and really make you feel comfortable I would highly recommend
Dr. Fox and the entire staff were amazing. I was extremely anxious to have my first colonoscopy. Everyone was kind and patient with me. I'm so thankful to all of them for making this experience as simple and anxiety free as possible.
I am very impressed. Dr. Farmer knows his stuff. He is professional yet maintains a respectful personable manner. Very easy to talk to. Breaks it down telling me what to expect. Watched a helpful video showing steps to take before procedure. Colonoscopy in 2 weeks. His staff very nice & helpful. I feel like I am in good hands.
I've used Dr. Farmer for my Colonoscopy/ Endoscopy for many years. I trust Dr. Farmer and his team to perform these procedures accurately and throughly. They're awesome.
Best Dr ever even I don't like colonoscopy and biopsy done but Dr morissette is the best Dr ever.
11
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
