Have you been told you need a colonoscopy screening? You might be wondering why and what exactly the procedure is. Dr. Azeem Khan and our team at Forest Hills Gastroenterology in New York City and Forest Hills, NY answer these questions and more in this quick guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopies
Colonoscopies are commonly recommended to evaluate health in the large intestine. Dr. Khan and the team at Forest Hills Gastroenterology answer some of the most common colonoscopy screening questions below.
What is a colonoscopy screening and why is the procedure used?
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the colon with a small camera at the end of a tube. A colonoscopy screening is used simply to determine if everything is healthy and that there is no presence of colon cancer. It’s considered a screening when there is no personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer and if you have no symptoms of gastrointestinal issues.
How often is a colonoscopy needed?
This depends on what – if anything – is found. If there are no polyps or other issues discovered, you shouldn’t need one for five to 10 more years. If anything is discovered, your gastroenterologist might suggest a more frequent schedule.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. However, when you add in prep time, waiting, and recovery time, you should expect a total of about two to three hours.
Will I be awake during my colonoscopy screening and will it hurt?
Sedatives are used that make you drowsy and feel very relaxed, so you should sleep through the procedure. Patients generally do not experience pain. Although some cramping has been reported, most agree that the procedure is easy, as they don’t remember it thanks to the sedative and feel no side effects.
What happens if the colonoscopy screening reveals something abnormal?
It depends on what is found. Polyps can be removed during the same procedure. Biopsies can also be taken, when necessary. In such cases, the colonoscopy is considered diagnostic instead of a screening. If any issues are found, your gastroenterologist will discuss a treatment plan that will likely include another colonoscopy down the line to monitor progress.
If you’d like to learn more or need to schedule a colonoscopy in New York City and Forest Hills, NY, call Dr. Khan and our team at Forest Hills Gastroenterology at (718) 459-8460.