Colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test during which a lengthy, slender, flexible pipe or “scope” is placed through the anus and advanced through the length of the large intestine (colon). The pipe has a lamp and a camera on the end of it, which allows the gastroenterologist to investigate the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy may be performed to discover the source of GI symptoms, such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or abnormal x-ray findings.
A colonoscopy could also be done on an asymptomatic patient at age 45 or sooner depending on the patient’s history, to screen for colorectal cancer and growths. As principal experts in gut wellness, the board-certified GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates frequently do colonoscopy tests. Please contact us for more information on colonoscopies in New Orleans, LA.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is the best protection against colon cancer development, which is why it’s extremely important that you obtain a colonoscopy as suggested by your GI specialist. Preventive colonoscopy exams can offer several advantages for your gastrointestinal and overall wellness. A few of the advantages of colonoscopy exams include the following:
- Identifies and removes precancerous polyps
- Detects initial signals of colon cancer
- Recognizes diverticulosis, IBD, and additional GI issues
- Serves as the predominant screening option for colon and rectal cancer
- Can be a life-saving exam
Thanks to advancing technology, colorectal cancer screenings are more convenient, more comfortable, and more accurate than ever before.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You will obtain instructions from your provider at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates concerning the necessary bowel preparation to prepare you for your exam. Most patients are asked to drink only clear fluids the whole 24 hours before the exam. There are many options for laxatives to completely clean out the colon. It is extremely vital to obey the orders given to you by your provider. There will also be extra directions regarding your prescriptions. In most situations, your medications will be maintained as usual. However, in specific instances, specifically in clients on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, special orders may be specified. Individuals will be advised not to take anything following midnight except for prescriptions.
You could be directed to arrive at the endoscopy facility 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. This is to enable time to fill out documentation and get ready for the exam. You will be asked to change into a medical robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your arm so that sedation medication can be administered. You will be connected to equipment that will permit the specialist and staff to check your pulse, arterial pressure, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration throughout and after the colonoscopy.
When you reach the colonoscopy private space, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the bed. The IV sedation will be started. Small quantities are administered to help ensure your safety and give only the level you must have individually. Once an adequate quantity of sedation is achieved, the provider will carry out a rectal examination. The colonoscope will then be carefully placed into the anus. The scope will be slowly moved through the colon to where the small intestine and colon meet. A small amount of air is placed through the scope and within the colon to enable the specialist to see the lining of the colon. Any liquid left in the colon after the preparation can be cleaned and absorbed through the scope.
Based on the results of the exam, different things may be done during the procedure, for instance, biopsies, the withdrawal of tumors, and the management of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, as much of the oxygen and remaining water as feasible is withdrawn out of the colon with the scope. Contingent on the findings, the procedure takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.
Once the procedure is complete, you will be ushered to the recovery room to be monitored while the IV drug starts to dissipate. The amount of sedation utilized for the duration of the test and your specific reaction to the medication will determine how rapidly you will wake up, though the majority of people are conscious enough for discharge in about 45 – 60 minutes.
You would not be allowed to operate a vehicle for the remainder of the day following your colonoscopy with our New Orleans, LA staff, therefore, you will want to arrange a ride back to your house. You would also be ordered not to labor, sign essential paperwork, or do demanding activities for the rest of the day. Most individuals can consume food and liquids, as usual, following their dismissal from the endoscopy unit. Specific directions regarding exercise, eating, and medications will be offered prior to discharge.
When will I get my results?
Upon completion of the exam, the provider and/or nurse will review the findings of the exam with you. The majority of patients will not recall what they are told following the exam due to the consequences of the IV medication. It is advised, if possible, to bring someone with you to whom the conclusions can also be talked about. You may also return home with a written record. You will be told of any biopsy conclusions typically within one week.
Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?
To an extent, the alternatives to the exam will depend on the reason for needing the colonoscopy in the first place. In most situations, a colonoscopy is the most ideal method to assess and handle irregularities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are other x-rays that can evaluate the colon, such as a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, though, merely diagnostic procedures. Treatment of abnormalities will demand a colonoscopy or surgery.
Are there any risks with a colonoscopy?
In general, a colonoscopy is a very dependable test with complications occurring in fewer than 1% of clients. Many complications are not life-threatening. Although, if a problem occurs, it could require hospitalization and an operation. Before the procedure, a consent form will be reviewed with the individual by support personnel. Should any issues or problems arise, these can be discussed with your provider before starting the test.
Medication responses associated with sedation can transpire. These can include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, impacts on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and discomfort of the vein utilized to administer the medication.
Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the removal of polyps. Once more, significant bleeding, which might require a blood donation or hospitalization, is very uncommon. Although, bleeding can occur at the time of the test or up to two weeks after the procedure if a tumor is extracted.
Perforation or puncture of the bowel can happen. This might be discovered during the exam, or it could not be noticeable until later in the afternoon. In most cases, a perforation will necessitate surgery and a hospital stay. This is an unusual complication, even when growths are removed.
It is very important that you call your specialist's office immediately if symptoms arise following the test, like increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, or elevated temperature.
Like most other exams, a colonoscopy is not foolproof. There is a tiny, recognized risk that irregularities, including polyps and cancers, can be undetected at the time of the exam. It is essential to maintain appointments with your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider as advised and notify them of any new or lasting symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age should you have a colonoscopy?
Individuals at average risk for colon cancer should start having colonoscopies at age 45. If your odds of developing colon cancer are higher, or you have signs or symptoms of the disease, your GI doctor might suggest scheduling a colonoscopy at an earlier age.
How often should you have a colonoscopy?
Doctors recommend getting colonoscopies every ten years for those at average risk, who are in good health, and have colonoscopy test results within normal limits. Following your exam, your gastroenterologist will discuss how often you should undergo colonoscopy screenings moving forward.
Is a colonoscopy an uncomfortable process?
Sedation will be provided ahead of your colon exam to help ensure your comfort and relaxation during the screening. Depending on the type of sedation, patients may feel very relaxed and sleepy, and many experience no recollection of their procedure. Feel free to speak with your GI specialist about what to expect during your consultation.
What is recovery process for a colonoscopy?
On average, it takes about a full day to recuperate following a colonoscopy, and many people feel well enough to maintain their daily routine the subsequent day. When colon polyps are removed, recovery will likely take longer. It is common to experience abdominal discomfort, such as cramping and/or bloating, following a colonoscopy exam. The Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates team will provide more information on what to expect while you recover.
The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening
A colonoscopy is thought of as the “gold standard” of all screening methods for colorectal cancer. Unlike many screening systems, a colonoscopy allows for the examination of the entire colon. In addition to providing the most thorough inspection, it also permits the discovery of growths and their removal during one exam. For some different screening systems, the capacity to extract tumors is not accessible, and if the exam returns positive for polyps, you will likely require a colonoscopy. You can request an appointment for a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA by contacting our office. A regular colonoscopy just might protect your health. If you would like more information on how to get a colonoscopy, talk to your nearest Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today.
Reviews
Dr Awtrey was awesome! He was kind, friendly, personable yet professional. He made you feel at ease before and after the procedure. He explained what was involved and the results of my colonoscopy. I feel so comfortable with Dr. Awtrey that I would consider more frequent procedures BUT yuck, the prep is unpleasant!
It was a colonoscopy. How pleasant could that actually be? HAHA However, All the medical staff was very good, professional, and pleasant. My nurse was Stephanie and she was fantastic.She was fun to work with and kept me at ease. I am supposed to come back in a year and I will request her. Dr Carriere was wonderful, so was the nurse anesthetist No complaints AT ALL.
Scheduled visit to pickup prep kit for upcoming colonoscopy resulted in successful acquisition of 24 magic pills that ought to do the clean out trick at the appointed time.
The entire process of having a colonoscopy procedure was done with professionalism by the entire staff. I felt like I was in good hands.
Great experience! My colonoscopy started with the prep the day before. Definitely recommend the Sutab tablets vs drinks the liquid prep. Arrived at 11:30 am for my procedure. The staff and nurses were very courteous and informative. Dr. Lilly visited with me before, during and after the colonoscopy to answer questions and give me my results. Dr. Lilly is very good with great personality! I highly recommend you get your colonoscopy at the required time!
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