Colonoscopy in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test during which a long, thin, adjustable tube or “scope” is inserted into the anus and moved through the entire large intestine (colon). The scope has a light and a video camera on the end of it, which allows your provider to explore the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy could be carried out to identify the reason for intestinal symptoms, such as loose stool, bowl in the stool, stomach pain, or irregular x-ray results.
A colonoscopy could also be carried out on a patient not exhibiting symptoms at 45 years old or younger based on the patient’s history, to test for colorectal cancer and polyps. Well-versed in the knowledge of digestive wellness, the board-certified GI specialists at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates in your community routinely carry out colonoscopy exams. If you are in Lubbock, TX and want to know if you are a candidate for a colonoscopy, contact one of our locations today.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are the strongest safeguard against colon cancer, so it is very important to schedule your colon cancer screening as suggested by your gastroenterology specialist. Routine colonoscopy exams can offer a great deal of advantages for your GI wellness and general wellness. A few of the advantages of a colonoscopy are:
- Serves as the prevailing testing option for colon and/or rectal cancer
- Detects initial signals of colon cancer
- Can be life-saving
- Recognizes IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), diverticulosis, and other GI concerns
- Detects and removes precancerous growths
With the help of advancing technology, colorectal cancer screenings are performed efficiently, more comfortably, and more accurately than ever before.
What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
Your Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. The majority of patients are asked to drink only clear liquids the entire day before the procedure. There are several options for laxatives to clean out the colon completely. It is extremely important to follow the directions given to you by your provider. There could also be additional instructions about your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications will be continued as routine. However, in certain instances, especially in patients on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, special instructions may be given. You will be asked not to take anything by mouth following midnight excluding medications.
You will be asked to arrive at the endoscopy location an hour or an hour and a half before your procedure. This is to give you time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to change into a medical robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your vein so that calming drugs can be given. Monitors will be attached to you so that the provider and staff to watch your heartbeat, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration during and after the colonoscopy.
When you reach the colonoscopy room, you will be directed to lie on your left side on the table. IV sedation will then be administered. Once you have been sedated, the specialists will perform a rectal examination. The colonoscope will then be softly inserted through the anus. The scope will be gingerly fed throughout the colon to where the small intestine and colon join. A small amount of air is fed through the scope and into the colon to help the provider view the lining of the colon. Any liquid left in the bowel can be washed and suctioned out through the scope.
Depending on the results of the procedure, multiple things may be done during the procedure, like biopsies, the removal of polyps, and the repression of bleeding. Once the colonoscopy is finished, any air and water left over are withdrawn out of the colon through the scope. Depending on the outcome, the procedure takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes.
After the exam is done, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be supervised while the medication begins to wear off. The amount of sedation used throughout the exam, and your reaction to the medication will determine how quickly you will awaken, though many people are alert enough to be released after 45 – 60 minutes.
You will not be allowed to operate a vehicle after your colonoscopy with our Lubbock, TX team. As a result, you will need someone to give you a ride home after your procedure. You advised not to work, sign legal paperwork, or do physical activities for the rest of the day. The majority of individuals can eat and consume liquids normally following their release from the endoscopy office; however, specific instructions regarding movement, eating, and medications will be provided before discharge.
When can I expect my results?
Following the procedure, the specialist and/or nurse will review the conclusions of the test with you. Many individuals will not remember what they are told following the procedure because of the effects of the sedation. It is suggested, if possible, to bring someone with you to whom the findings can also be discussed. We will likely send you home with a typed summary as well. The biopsy reports will generally be ready in about seven days.
What are the alternatives to a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the procedure will depend on the reason the colonoscopy is needed to begin with. In the majority of cases, a colonoscopy is the best method to diagnose and handle abnormalities in the colon. However, there are various x-rays that can assess the colon, including a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, though, only diagnostic tests. Treating irregularities will require a colonoscopy or surgery.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Typically, a colonoscopy is a relatively harmless procedure. All in all, complications occur in fewer than 1% of patients. Most of them are not too serious. Although, if a complication develops, it could require hospitalization and an operation. Before the procedure, a permission form will be discussed with you by the support staff. Should any concerns or questions arise, these can be discussed with your specialist before starting the exam.
Drug reactions related to IV medication can take place. These can include but are not limited to, allergic responses, trouble breathing, effects on the heart and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein employed to deliver the sedation.
Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the withdrawal of tumors. Again, considerable bleeding, which may require a blood donation or hospitalization, is usually rare. Although, bleeding can happen at the time of the exam or up to two weeks following the exam if a polyp is removed.
Perforation or puncture of the intestine can also occur. This might be identified at the time of the exam, or it may not be obvious until later in the day. In the majority of cases, a perforation will require surgery and a hospital stay. This is a rare problem, even when polyps are removed.
It is very important that you call your provider's office immediately if symptoms appear after the procedure, including worsening stomach pain, bleeding, or elevated temperature.
Like most other tests, a colonoscopy is not infallible. There is a tiny, acknowledged risk that deformities, including tumors and cancers, can be undetected at the time of the procedure. It is essential to continue to follow up with your provider at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates near you as instructed and notify them of any recent or persistent symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age is it suggested to schedule a colonoscopy exam?
It is recommended that individuals at regular risk of colon cancer start getting a colonoscopy exam around age 45 years old. If your risks for developing colon cancer are higher or you have signs of colon cancer, your gastroenterologist might advise having a colonoscopy earlier than 45.
How often should you receive colonoscopies?
Gastroenterologists suggest getting colonoscopy screenings about every ten years for those who have ordinary risk, who are of normal health, and have results that reveal no concerns. Following your exam, your gastroenterologist will let you know how often you need to undergo colon cancer exams from there on out.
Will a colonoscopy be a painful procedure?
Sedation is provided prior to your colon exam to maximize your comfort throughout the procedure. Based on the medication, many people will be in an extremely relaxed state or feel tired, and many patients experience no recollection of their procedure. You can talk with your colonoscopy doctor about what you should expect during your consultation visit.
What is recovery period for my colonoscopy exam?
Most of the time, it takes around 24 hours to recuperate, and many patients feel well enough to maintain their general routine the following day. It is common for you to experience some gastric discomfort after your colon cancer screening, such as bloating and cramping. Our Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates doctors will provide further information on what is normal as you recover.
Advanced colorectal cancer screening
A colonoscopy is thought of as the “gold standard” of all screening approaches for colorectal cancer. Unlike different screening methods, a colonoscopy allows for the assessment of the entire colon. In addition to it being a thorough test, it also enables the discovery and removal of tumors, all during one exam. If tumors are found through a different screening system, a colonoscopy will still likely be needed to remove them. You can schedule a colonoscopy in Lubbock, TX by contacting one of our locations. A regular colonoscopy just might just save your life. If you would like more about when you should have a colonoscopy, contact a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location as soon as possible.
Reviews
Dr.R was very thorough and pleasant. Everyone at LDDA are very professional and do a great job. Good experience, if you can say that about a colonoscopy!
I have used Dr. Hughston for my colonoscopy and also my endoscopy. He is very nice and did a great job! Answers your questions and very easy to make an appointment and get in to see him. Would recommend him to anyone . Because of my experience other family members will also make him their doctor.
They were very professional and made me feel like I was in good hands going forward into my colonoscopy. Thank you Dr.Hughston and staff.
Very nice experience for a colonoscopy
Was greeted with a smile nurses was great Dr Miller was all about business told me no colonoscopy this year but in 2 more years now today I have a scope down my throat to check my esophagus and stomach
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4.9
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