Colonoscopy
Advanced Robotics and Laparoscopic Surgeons serving Roseville, Carmichael, Folsom, Grass Valley, Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Did you know, though, that your doctor may also prescribe a colonoscopy to diagnose the cause of other intestinal issues? Sierra Pacific Surgical serving Roseville, Carmichael, Folsom, Grass Valley, Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas, offers screening colonoscopies to identify and remove colon polyps or explain symptoms such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in bowel habits. And they’re done in-office for your convenience. Schedule your evaluation today by calling any of their three Northern California locations or requesting an appointment online.
Although the rates have declined steadily since the mid-1980s, colorectal cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States. It’s also one of the most treatable cancers when caught early.
Thus, the newest guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology recommend that men and women at average risk of colorectal cancer have their first screening colonoscopy at age 45. If you’re at increased risk, your doctor may recommend screening sooner.
Factors that increase your colorectal cancer risk include:
Although rare, genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) increase your risk of developing colon cancer, sometimes in young adulthood or adolescence.
Genetic testing and early cancer screening can identify problems early when treatments are most effective.
Because a colonoscopy requires “clean” bowels, you’re given dietary guidelines and other prep instructions to follow the day before and on the morning of the test. This typically includes a clear-liquid diet with no solid foods 24 hours before the test and using laxatives to empty the colon.
Colonoscopies are performed in-office at Sierra Pacific Surgical and typically include conscious sedation to help you relax. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a small, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) into the rectum. The colonoscope is long enough to examine the entire large intestine (bowel).
Instruments inserted via the colonoscope allow your surgeon to remove polyps (precancerous growths), obtain tissue samples (biopsies), and make minor surgical repairs to the intestinal walls. Other issues diagnosed via a colonoscopy include irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstructions, and diverticulosis.
Depending on the findings, your surgeon may prescribe further testing or treatment to address issues noted during the colonoscopy. For instance, inflammatory bowel disease generally requires specialty care by a gastroenterologist. This care may include medication, dietary changes, and routine checkups.
Schedule an evaluation at Sierra Pacific Surgical today for more information about the benefits of a colonoscopy. Call one of their Northern California offices or request an appointment online.