Colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam during which a long, skinny, flexible pipe or “scope” is situated through the rectum and advanced through the length of the colon (large intestine). The pipe has a lamp and a video camera on it, which enables a GI specialist to investigate the interior of the colon. A colonoscopy might be done to identify the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loose stool, bloody stool, abdominal pain, or unusual x-ray results.
A colonoscopy may additionally be done on a patient with no symptoms at age 45 or sooner, based on their medical and family history, to screen for colon and rectal cancer and polyps. As experts in intestinal wellness, the board-certified GI specialists at Gastroenterology Associates routinely carry out colonoscopy exams. Please call us for more information or to request a colonoscopy at any of our Baton Rouge, LA locations.
What benefits can I expect from a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies are the strongest defense against developing colon cancer, so it is extremely important to undergo these screenings as suggested by your GI specialist. Regular colonoscopy exams offer many advantages for your GI and general health. Some, but not all, of the benefits of this colon cancer screening include the following:
- Could be an exam that saves your life
- Detects and removes suspicious growths
- Provides the predominant screening option for colon cancer
- Identifies diverticulosis, IBD, and other gastrointestinal conditions
- Discovers beginning indications of colon and rectal cancer
With the help of advanced technology, colonoscopy exams are executed efficiently, with less discomfort, and with greater precision than in the past.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You will receive orders from your Gastroenterology Associates provider regarding your bowel prep instructions to get you ready for your procedure. Most individuals are asked to drink only clear liquids the whole 24 hours prior to the test. There are various options for laxatives to clear out the colon. It is quite crucial to follow the orders given to you by our team in order for your colonoscopy to run smoothly. There may also be further directions regarding your prescriptions. In most situations, your medications can be maintained as routine. However, in particular instances, especially in patients on blood thinners (i.e., warfarin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, particular orders might be provided. Patients will be advised not to take anything by mouth following midnight, excluding medications.
You will be asked to come to the endoscopy facility 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your exam. This permits time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the test. We will have you change into a hospital gown, and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm to administer calming drugs. You will be connected to equipment that will permit your provider and our staff to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and following the colonoscopy.
When you reach the procedure room, you will be directed to position yourself on your left side. The IV sedation will be started. Tiny quantities are administered to help ensure your safety and supply solely the level you need personally. When an adequate level of calm is obtained, the doctor will carry out a rectal exam. The colonoscope will then be delicately introduced through the anus. The scope will be carefully fed throughout the colon to where the small intestine and colon meet. A tiny measure of air is pumped into the colon using the scope to enable the doctor to view the lining of the colon. Any water left over in the bowel after the preparation can be washed and suctioned out through the scope.
Contingent on the exam results, various things could be accomplished during your colonoscopy, like biopsies, the extraction of polyps, and the control of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, as much gas and remaining liquid as possible will be withdrawn from your colon with the scope. Contingent on the results, the exam takes roughly 15 – 30 minutes.
Once the exam is finished, you will be escorted to the post-op room to be supervised while the medication begins to wear off. The amount of IV drug utilized throughout the test and your personal reaction to the medication will decide how quickly you will regain consciousness, though the majority of people are conscious enough for discharge after about 45 – 60 minutes.
You will not be permitted to operate a vehicle for the remainder of the day following your colonoscopy, therefore, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home. You will also be instructed not to work, sign essential papers, or perform strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Most people are able to consume food and liquids normally after their release from the endoscopy unit, although unique directions concerning activity, eating, and prescriptions will be provided before discharge.
When will I get my colonoscopy results?
Following your test, your GI specialist will inspect the conclusions of the exam with you. Most individuals will not recall what they are told following the test due to the medication. It is advised to bring a friend or family member with whom the findings can also be discussed. You will also go home with a printed report of these findings. You could be informed of any biopsy results usually within one week.
Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?
To a degree, the alternatives to the procedure will depend on the reason for necessitating the colonoscopy in the first place. In most instances, a colonoscopy is the best method to diagnose and handle colon deformities. Be that as it may, there are different x-rays that can measure the colon, including a barium enema and a virtual CT scan. These are, however, only diagnostic procedures. Addressing irregularities will require a colonoscopy or surgery.
Are there any risks with a colonoscopy?
Commonly, a colonoscopy is a harmless procedure. Usually, difficulties occur in fewer than 1% of persons. Additionally, most problems that arise are not fatal. Be that as it may, if a complication occurs, it may involve hospitalization and an operation. Before the exam, the nursing team will review a consent form with you so you understand the unlikely complications. If any issues or problems arise, these can be discussed with your physician before beginning the procedure.
Prescription reactions connected with IV medication can occur. These can include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, issues breathing, effects on the circulatory system and blood pressure, and irritation of the vein used to deliver the IV drug.
Bleeding can occur with biopsies and the extraction of growths. Once again, substantial bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion or hospitalization, is uncommon. Keep in mind, though, that bleeding may occur during the procedure or up to two weeks after the test if a tumor is removed.
Penetration or puncture of the intestine can occur, although it is unlikely. This might be identified during the procedure, or it may not be noticed until later. In many circumstances, a puncture will require an operation and hospitalization. This is a rare problem, even when tumors are removed.
It is extremely crucial that you contact us without delay if symptoms occur after the exam, such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Just as with most other tests, a colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA is not foolproof. There is a tiny, accepted risk that irregularities, like polyps and cancers, can be missed during the test. It is crucial to maintain appointments with your specialist at Gastroenterology Associates as instructed, and inform them of any new or persistent symptoms.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age should I have a colonoscopy exam?
We recommend patients with an average chance of getting colon cancer begin getting their colon cancer exam when they turn 45 years of age. If your risks for developing colon cancer are higher or if you have distressing symptoms of colon cancer, your GI specialist might suggest having a colonoscopy even before the age of 45.
How often is it recommended you get colon cancer screenings?
GI specialists recommend getting colonoscopy screenings every ten years for patients of general risk, who are of favorable health, and have results that are normal. After your colonoscopy, your GI provider will inform you when you will want to undergo colonoscopy screenings moving forward.
Is a colonoscopy a painful exam?
Sedation will be administered to you before your colonoscopy to help ensure your comfort level during the screening. Based on the type of sedation, most individuals feel an intensely relaxed state or feel sleepy, and many patients experience no memory of the procedure. Don’t hesitate to discuss what you should expect during your consultation with your colonoscopy provider.
What’s the average recovery period for a colonoscopy exam?
On average, our patients need around 24 hours to recover, and most individuals feel well enough to resume normal activities the subsequent day. It is expected that you’ll notice some stomach irritation following a colonoscopy, such as cramping and bloating. Our Gastroenterology Associates team will go over additional information about what to expect as you recover.
The gold standard for colon cancer screening
A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of all screening methods for colorectal cancer. Unlike different screening approaches, a colonoscopy permits the examination of the entire colon. In addition to offering the most comprehensive examination, it also enables the detection of tumors and their removal in just one test. For many different screening approaches, the ability to extract growths is not available, and if the procedure returns positive for growths, you will likely require a colonoscopy. You can schedule a colonoscopy at any of our Baton Rouge, LA locations by contacting our team. A routine colonoscopy is essential to maintaining your GI health. If you would like to know more about how to obtain a colonoscopy, contact Gastroenterology Associates today.
Reviews
I just finished my periodic colonoscopy yesterday with Dr. Be. He has done my scopes for a long time. Just wanted to drop a quick review of how excellent the process is handled at the GI Clinic and I highly recommend them!
Because of having a history of colon cancer in my family, I have been advised to get regular colonoscopies. Each one has been a positive experience. The people here have always gone out of their way to make me comfortable and at ease. Even if you don’t have this disease in your family, GO GET A COLONOSCOPY! It could save your life.
Very professional and easy to talk too. Would highly recommend seeing him if you are having trouble swallowing food. Also did my colonoscopy, will be back in five years!
Dr. Barker is the best! I am so grateful to have him as my doctor because he makes me feel that my concerns matter. He takes his time to listen to your concerns, provides a solution to the problem, and is very thorough. I was in the hospital for the first time in my life. After several weeks of losing blood, several visits to the emergency room, three blood transfusions and not knowing the cause. Dr. Barker was the first doctor to suggest an iron infusion. After the iron infusion, my blood count began to rise, and I was finally able to be released from the hospital. Dr. Barker also performed an Upper Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy on me as well.
Dr Oubre's bed side manners are fantastic He is always very professional. I believe He has done to date 3 colonoscopys on me in approximately 15 years. All have been very good and healthy experien.
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