Colonoscopy

Service Description

Memorial has a very active same day surgery department, with a well qualified staff, regularly doing surgeries in the areas of orthopedics, urology, ENT, podiatry, cataracts and general surgery. Our surgical department includes two large surgical suites and a procedure room. Colonoscopy is a complete examination of the large intestine (colon). A flexible lighted tube fitted with a tiny camera is inserted through the anus. The inside of the rectum and colon can be viewed for polyps, cancer, or diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Tissue and polyps can be removed during the procedure. Reasons for a Colonoscopy A screening colonoscopy is done to check for cancer and inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis. Most colorectal cancers (CRC) start as non-cancerous polyps (tiny, fast growing cells that may become cancer). Removing polyps or finding cancer at an early stage can increase your chances for a full recovery. Your doctor may recommend screening for colon and rectal cancer starting at age 45. If you have risk factors it may be done before 45 years. During the colonoscopy, polyps can be removed with tine instruments such as snares or forceps. In the U.S. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. The lifetime risk of CRC is 1 in 23 (4.3% for men and 1 in 25 (4%) for women. The risk of developing CRC is increased if you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has had the disease; or if they were younger than 50 when they were diagnosed. A diagnostic colonoscopy is done to find the cause of anemia, a change in bowel habits, or abdonminal pain. A therapeutic colonoscopy can treat a known problem inside the colon such as bleeding or narrowing. A surveillance colonoscopy is a follow-up for patients with history of colon polyps, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. A colonoscopy is the most accurate way to find and remove small polyps. Removing polyps at an early stage can decrease your risk of death from colon and rectal cancer. American Cancer Society Guidelines: 45 years old for average risk; 40 for increased risk. Learn more: https://www.facs.org/media/erddq5zv/colonoscopy.pdf