A colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and a treatment tool to help with a wide variety of gastrointestinal conditions involving the lower digestive system. The gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY, offer comprehensive gastroenterology services and treatments, including colonoscopies.
What You Need To Know About a Colonoscopy
The lower digestive system includes the lower intestine, sigmoid colon, colon, and rectum. A colonoscopy can diagnose lower digestive system conditions including:
- Intestinal and colon polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Intestinal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Our gastroenterologist may also recommend a colonoscopy if you are experiencing symptoms like these:
- Bleeding in your rectum
- Blood in your stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Frequent abdominal pain
The colonoscopy procedure uses a thin flexible tube known as a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a tiny camera attached to one end which allows your gastroenterologist to view the rectum, colon, and lower intestine.
During your colonoscopy, our doctor will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and guide it up into your colon and lower intestine. The procedure takes about 45 minutes, but you will spend a few hours in recovery due to sedation.
The colonoscopy procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so a hospital stay is not required. You must bring a driver with you because of sedation.
You should have your first colonoscopy at least by the time you are 45. After that, you should have a colonoscopy every few years or as your gastroenterologist recommends.
When you are having trouble with your lower digestive system, you can rely on a colonoscopy for a quick diagnosis. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and a better outcome for you.
Want To Know More?
To learn more about when you may need a colonoscopy, call the gastroenterologists at Great South Bay Endoscopy in East Patchogue, NY. You can reach them in the office by calling (631) 307-9181, so call today.