Colonoscopy in North Houston and West Houston, TX

The colon, or large intestine, is a large organ that is part of the digestive tract or GI system. It is a hollow tube that is about five feet long and is responsible for transporting stool to the rectum. A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to examine the inside of the colon. It is a safe and effective way to check for conditions, like digestive disease (colitis or Crohn’s disease), abnormal growths (colon polyps), and colon cancer. In addition, this procedure can be used to evaluate other issues, such as blood loss (anemia), active GI bleeding, abnormal pain, and irregular bowel movements. At Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery, our team consists of some of the best colorectal specialists in Houston, TX. If you need to schedule a colonoscopy, we invite you to call our office in North Houston or West Houston, TX today.

Prior to your procedure, an initial consultation will be performed to review your general medical history and list of medications you are currently taking. It’s particularly crucial to let us know if you are taking any blood thinners or diabetic medications as there are specific medical instructions to stop these prescription drugs prior to your colonoscopy.

It’s important to know that a colonoscopy is actually a two-day process. The day before your procedure, you will need to complete a series of steps to empty your bowel in preparation for your exam. These instructions will be provided by our office and should be followed accordingly. The goal is to clean out your colon so we can have a clear view of the inner lining.

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is generally completed in about 30 – 60 minutes. Since some form of sedation (oral and/or IV) is used, you will need to have a trusted driver to take you home after your procedure. Our team will do all we can to help make you as comfortable as possible. Once the sedative(s) have taken full effect, lubrication will be applied to the rectum and the colonoscope will be gently inserted into the rectum. A colonoscope is a tube-like device that has a tiny camera and light at the end, which enables us to examine the inside of the colon. The high-quality picture is transferred to a TV monitor to allow for better viewing. Once your procedure is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area until most of the effects of the sedative(s) have worn off.

Typically, before you are discharged home, we will share the preliminary findings of your exam with you. If nothing abnormal was found, your results will be negative, but if anything unusual was discovered, your results will be positive. Depending on your results, further tests may be performed, or medication will be prescribed to address any underlying concerns.

If you are over the age of 50 or have been experiencing abnormal pain or bowel movements, a colonoscopy may be needed to evaluate your colorectal health. Our caring specialists will discuss the procedure in more detail during your initial consultation so you will know what to expect on the day of your exam. We understand that this type of procedure can be embarrassing, but it may help save your life by identifying any concerns as early as possible. Reach out to Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery in North Houston or West Houston, TX today.