Colonoscopy
At our clinic, we focus on the broad spectrum of tests and treatments in the field of gastroenterology – and particularly on colonoscopy, an accessible and important test to help diagnose a wide variety of digestive system issues, including chronic diseases such as loose stools, inflammations and even cancer. Dr Bromberg focuses on the complete spectrum of tools and techniques to yield accurate results and treat a variety of issues using these tools. When you visit, you will receive personal consultation, a professional examination and high-quality treatment, suited to your personal needs.
Questions and Answers on Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy procedure, and why is it important?
This is a common routine procedure conducted to diagnose and treat disorders of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to see the insides of your colon. A soft and flexible tube (a colonoscope), the width of an index finger, is gently inserted into the anus and passed through the colon. A colonoscopy helps diagnose and treat a variety of different conditions, such as:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Testing for colon polyps and colon cancer starting age 45 (for asymptomatic patients)
- Follow-up of people with increased risk of colon cancer, including people with a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, or a colon cancer susceptibility gene mutation
- Changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increasing abdominal pains
- Chronic diarrhea
How is the procedure done?
During the colonoscopy, the patient will be lying down on their side or on their back. The patient will receive a sedative to help them relax and an analgesic to reduce any pain. After the colonoscope is inserted into the bowel, carbon dioxide or water will be gently pumped into it, to inflate the colon. If the doctor finds any abnormal tissue or polyps during the examination, small surgical procedures such as biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) or polyp removal can be conducted.
How long does the procedure take?
A colonoscopy examination only takes about 15 or 30 minutes. However, the preemptive procedure, the meeting with the doctor, the consultation and the test itself may reach a total duration of about two hours.
How should you prepare before a colonoscopy?
Before the colonoscopy procedure, you will be required to follow a special low-free dietary regimen for three days, then, one day before the procedure, you will be required to prepare your colon. Colon preparation usually involves using a strong laxative to completely empty the colon from stool. This helps generate more reliable results. Therefore, it is important to follow the specific bowel preparation instructions that you will receive.
What are the advantages of colonoscopy over other tools for diagnosing colon diseases?
The other screening test available is a fecal occult blood test, utilized as a substitute for colonoscopy. A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a laboratory test utilized to test stool samples for hidden blood. Fecal occult blood may indicate colon cancer or colorectal polyps – although not all types of cancer or polyps bleed. If blood is detected by a fecal occult blood test, other tests such as a colonoscopy may be required to determine the source of the bleed. This test should be done every year or two. The test is positive when a progressive polyp bleeds as stool passes through the colon.
The best test for each individual is still colonoscopy – as it can detect a polyp at a very early stage, before it may transform into cancer. Another diagnostic test is a “virtual colonoscopy”, conducted at a radiology department – however, this examination is not therapeutic. Additionally, for any symptom in the population at risk over the age of 45 – such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain – we recommend starting the evaluation directly with a colonoscopy.
What results can you expect following the procedure?
Following the procedure, the gastroenterologist will know how to analyze the results for you. The doctor will send any polyps that they removed from your colon to a pathology laboratory. Pathology results will take about two to four weeks to arrive, and the doctor will contact you to give you the results. During the examination, the doctor may also spot an area with inflammation in your colon and take a biopsy.
Dr. Laura Bromberg is a gastroenterology specialist with many years of experience in the field. Thanks to her vast professional knowledge, she offers advanced and high-quality medical services for each patient. Dr. Bromberg recognizes the significance of focusing on each patient, and so she focuses on personal and personalized treatment of each case. Dr. Bromberg invites you to set an appointment to receive professional consultation and high-quality care regarding any issue pertaining to gastroenterology. We will be delighted to see you at her clinic and to help you protect your health and feel better.
