Colonoscopy – Austin Medical

Phone: (718) 830-9500

Fax: (833) 970-0974

Location: 70-10 Austin Street,
Suite 101, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Colonoscopy is the gold standard screening exam used to look for colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) that is recommended in patients without symptoms aged 45 or over (or earlier depending on risk factors such as family history, polyps and other factors) that should be discussed with your gastroenterologist. Colonoscopy is used to look for polyps or other growths in the colon with the goal of prevention and early diagnosis of colon cancer.
Our colonoscopy at Austin medical doctors use a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. This device, about as thick around as a finger, has a video camera on its tip and sends images to a video monitor, where the doctor can observe its trip from your rectum to the deepest part of your colon. Colonoscopy is also used to evaluate patients with a wide array of digestive symptoms including rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation as well as many other symptoms as part of a complete evaluation for a proper diagnosis. This colonoscopy is performed at our offices located in 70-10 austin st suite 101 Forest hills NY 11375.
Despite the prevalence of screening, colon cancer is among the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming about 50,000 lives a year. Increased awareness and prevention could save at least half that number. Colonoscopy is a screening test to catch cancer early, while it is still treatable.

A colonoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger into the rectum, and gradually advancing it through the colon, allowing the physician to examine the lining of the rectum, diagnose colon and rectal problems, perform biopsies and remove polyps.

Who should have a Colonoscopy?

It is recommended that all individuals over 45 (or early depending on risk factors such as family history, history of polyps and other reasons) undergo screening colonoscopy. Patients with digestive symptoms such as rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea and many other symptoms should have a full evaluation by their gastroenterologist which will likely include colonoscopy and other testing as needed.
Depending on your personal and family history you may need to have colonoscopies on more regular basis which is to be decided by your gastroenterologist. After a colonoscopy, its important to discuss with your gastroenterologist when your next colonoscopy is due which is based on many factors.

What are some of the indications for a colonoscopy?

Routine health screening
Rectal bleeding
Anemia
A change in bowel habit
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Monitoring of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease
Another doctor or specialist has ordered that you have a colonoscopy
Many other symptoms and conditions

During the Colonoscopy

During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure that you will be as comfortable as possible. An intravenous line, or IV, will be placed to give you medication (usually propofol) to put you to sleep. Once you are asleep, a rectal exam is performed with a gloved, lubricated finger; then the lubricated colonoscope will be gently inserted. As the scope is carefully advanced to the beginning of the colon (“cecum") and then slowly withdrawn while the lining of your colon is carefully inspected. The time needed for colonoscopy will vary, depending in part on what is found and what is done; on average, the procedure takes about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, you will be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. At this time, your doctor will inform you about the results of your colonoscopy and provide any additional information you need to know.