Colonoscopy

An estimated 106,180 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To identify colorectal cancer in the early stages, Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., offers comprehensive colonoscopy services on-site. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the medical team also use colonoscopies to diagnose the cause of chronic diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, so you can get a treatment plan personalized to your needs. Call the office in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to schedule a colonoscopy consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test to examine the lining of your lower intestine (colon) for abnormalities.

Your physician inserts a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) with an attached camera into your anus. The camera sends real-time images of your intestine to a monitor that your doctor watches as they move the colonoscope through to your rectum.

Why would I need a colonoscopy?

You might need a colonoscopy as part of your diagnostic evaluation if you have chronic digestive issues like:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain

The team also offers preventive colonoscopy services to screen for colorectal cancer, a disease that develops when cancerous cells form in the lining of your large intestine or rectum.

Preventive colonoscopy screenings can identify early warning signs of cancer, so you can get the treatment needed before the cancer spreads. The specialists recommend routine colonoscopy screenings starting at age 50. You may need earlier screenings if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other cancer risks.

Ahead of your colonoscopy, your physician provides instructions to prepare your colon using a special cleansing solution or laxatives to ensure accurate test results.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Your doctor provides a sedative to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your colonoscopy. You may feel pressure throughout the test, but a colonoscopy isn’t painful.

You can expect to lie on your side or back while he inserts and advances the colonoscope into your lower digestive tract. Your physician watches the monitor to identify polyps or other abnormalities in the lining of your intestines and rectum before removing the colonoscope.

It’s normal to feel cramping or bloating because the colonoscope introduces air into your digestive tract. These issues typically disappear quickly as you pass gas. A colonoscopy generally takes less than 45 minutes to complete.

Your provider explains the results of your colonoscopy. If they find abnormalities in your colon or rectum, your doctor discusses whether you need additional testing.

What can I expect after a colonoscopy?

You spend time in the office recovering from the sedative before you can go home. A loved one must drive you home and stay with you for a few hours after your procedure.

You should be able to eat and take your usual medications soon after your colonoscopy. However, your physician may restrict your diet and activities for some time based on your test results and health.

Call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., to learn more about the benefits of a colonoscopy, or request an appointment online today.