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Specializing in Screening Colonoscopy with NEW Fuse Technology
and Hemorrhoid Banding/Anorectal Disorders


Screening Colonoscopy

STEP 3
Information about Colonoscopies

COLON CANCER is Preventable, Treatable & Beatable!

Are you 50 years of age or older? Get screened for colon cancer, it could save your life!

  • Colon cancer is the 2nd most common cancer killer in the United States but it does not have to be, because the majority of colon cancer can be prevented by screening colonoscopy.
  • Even though you are healthy and have no family history of colon cancer, you are still at risk and may be developing colon cancer without any symptoms. So do not delay and get your screening colonoscopy done if you are over age 50.
  • You need colonoscopy done at a younger age than 50 if you have the following:
    • a family history of colon cancer
    • family history of colon polyps
    • you are African American
    • or have colitis
  • While early detection of any cancer is important, prevention is powerful!

Please read the following popular patient brochures:

 

SCREENING COLONOSCOPY
AND COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

  • Colon and rectal cancer arises from pre-cancerous growths or polyps that grow in the colon and rectum. When detected early, polyps can be removed during colonoscopy, thereby halting their progression to colorectal cancer.
  • Colon cancer is considered a silent killer because there are NO SYMPTOMS until it has progressed to the point that it is too late for treatment.
  • The American Cancer Society projects that 142,820 cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2013 in the United States and that 50,830 will die from the disease this year. IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT WITH INCREASED AWARENESS AND SCREENING WOULD SAVE AT LEAST 30,000 LIVES EACH YEAR.
  • For additional statistics click here.

How do I get screened for colon cancer?

Colonoscopy is the test of choice, has the highest sensitivity and is the only test that is both diagnostic and therapeutic. It can diagnose and remove polyps in the same setting.

What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a well tolerated procedure in which the small flexible scope with a camera is advanced through the anal opening all the way up to the end of the colon. The colon is about 5 feet long and has a lot of curves. This procedure allows Dr. Gandhi to examine the entire inside of your colon and rectum for polyps. If polyps are found during the exam he will remove them and send them to the pathology department for evaluation under the microscope. Biopsies are often taken to identify many conditions and will also be sent to the pathology department for evaluation. The results from the pathology department usually takes 4-5 days to process and are then reviewed by Dr. Gandhi and discussed with the patient at their follow-up appointment.

Please watch the video below. It discusses what to expect during and after a colonoscopy.

Videos

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself usually takes approximately 30 minutes. A patient should plan on approximately 3-4 hours depending on the facility from check in to discharge.

What kind of preparation is needed for my colonoscopy?

In order to examine the colon clearly it is very important that the colon is clean and for this reason we have provided a detailed preparation and diet. Dr. Gandhi’s preferred preparation is MoviPrep. You will need to follow a low residue diet two days prior to the prep.

What type of anesthesia is given for the procedure?

There are two options for sedation, one is anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist and is a separate cost to the patient. Most is covered by insurance but if the patient has a high deductible plan this of course will be an added cost to the procedure and is the patient’s responsibility.

The second option is called conscious sedation in which a sedative is administered by Dr. Gandhi at no additional cost. This type of sedation puts the patient in a drowsy sleepy state but not into a deep sleep. Most patients are very comfortable and do not even remember the details of the procedure.

Both types of sedation require a driver who can sign to be responsible to take the patient home after the procedure. There are no exceptions to this rule. No cabs or transportations companies allowed. This is done for the patient’s safety. Although you will feel alert after the procedure, your judgment and reflexes could be impaired for the rest of the day. We certainly do not want you to have you to have an accident.

What are the risks and complications?

It is a quite safe procedure but there can be complications in a small percentage of patients.

  • One possible complication is a perforation or a hole in the colon which requires surgery. The chance of this happening is less than 1:1000.
  • If Dr. Gandhi removes a polyp, 1% of those patients can have bleeding from this site up to 2 weeks. It is usually minor but if the bleeding does not stop on its own, then it can usually can be corrected by cauterization.
  • Some patients may have a reaction to the sedatives or complications from heart or lung disease.

Complications after colonoscopy are uncommon, however it is important to recognize early signs of possible complications.

Will my insurance company pay for a screening colonoscopy?

Under The Affordable Care Act, routine colonoscopy screenings are considered necessary preventative care. Beginning at age 50, colonoscopy procedures are covered by most health insurance plans at zero out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Medicare also provides colonoscopy benefits at no cost to the patient. If you have any concerns about this, be sure to contact your insurance company to find out if it will cost you anything out of pocket.

We are so happy you are considering your screening colonoscopy. Click on the button below to schedule your colonoscopy without an office visit or call our office today to schedule at 937.350.6700. Please call our office today to schedule. This exam could save your life!


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