A colonoscopy is a procedure Dr. Padda uses to examine the large intestine (colon) and rectum — the last parts of your gastrointestinal tract.
A colonoscope is a slender, flexible instrument equipped with a light and tiny camera. Dr. Padda carefully inserts the colonoscope into your rectum and passes it along the colon until it reaches your small intestine.
During the procedure, he views the images sent back by the camera on a large monitor. He identifies abnormal tissues and inflammation and takes samples (biopsies) for lab analysis.
Colonoscopy has two primary purposes — diagnostic and screening.
Dr. Padda may recommend a colonoscopy to determine what’s causing symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea and/or constipation, and rectal pain. A colonoscopy helps him identify the following conditions:
Colonoscopy is also the gold-standard colon cancer screening procedure. Colon and rectal (colorectal) cancers most often develop from polyps. These small, harmless growths occasionally mutate, undergoing genetic changes that make them cancerous.
Colorectal cancer is deadly if you don’t get treatment early on — around 52,000 people die in the United States each year from colorectal cancer. However, early treatment has excellent success rates.
Dr. Padda can remove polyps during your colonoscopy before they get the chance to become cancerous. Screening ensures the cancer doesn’t metastasize (spread to other areas) and prevents you from needing surgery to remove parts of your colon and/or rectum.
Colonoscopy is a straightforward, nonsurgical procedure that doesn’t require an anesthetic.
You must flush your bowels the day before your colonoscopy so Dr. Padda can see the bowel lining clearly. You take powerful laxatives to empty and clean your bowels and mustn’t eat afterward until the procedure’s complete.
During a colonoscopy, you lie on an exam table on your side. A mild sedative helps you to relax and stay still. Dr. Padda inserts the colonoscope and passes it along your rectum and colon. You may feel some discomfort and bloating, but it shouldn’t hurt.
Dr. Padda takes samples of abnormal tissues and removes polyps if you have any. After the procedure, you go to a recovery area while the sedative wears off.
Call the office to inquire about screening colonoscopy or request an appointment online today.