1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
The Importance of Getting a Colonoscopy
You can imagine a colonoscopy to be an unpleasant, embarrassing procedure that requires a great deal of preparation and impersonalized study. Although the screening is not exactly something to look forward to, it is a necessary component of your preventative health care.
Worried about colon cancer? You're not alone. colonoscopy can be a frightening procedure, but it is one of the most effective methods of colorectal cancer prevention. We would like you to feel educated at Gastrodoxs in Houston.
In this guide, you'll learn:
What a colonoscopy is?
When to start screening
What are the ways in which colonoscopy can prevent the development of colorectal cancer?
How to prepare and what to expect
What role played by colonoscopy in the prevention of the development of colorectal cancer?
1. What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an examination that allows your physician to examine the inside of your colon and rectum. A small camera on a thin, flexible tube (known as a colonoscope) examines whether polyps are present, there is bleeding or cancer.
What to Expect:
The test takes about 30 minutes
You will be sedated lightly
You go home the same day
The colonoscopy provides us with the complete view of the colon. It is safe and in many cases can be life-saving, says Dr. Pothuri.
2. Reasons Why Doctors recommend Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is not only cancer-detecting but it prevents it.
Key Benefits:
Polyp removal: Physicians are able to extract polyps before they grow to be cancerous
High accuracy: Higher than stool tests or X-rays
Early diagnosis: A problem is identified at a time when it is easier to remedy
CDC reports that screening can reduce the deaths caused by colon cancer by 60 percent.
Every polyp that we take off reduces the risks of cancer, says Dr. Pothuri. This is the reason why we suggest the age of 45 to screen.
3. The benefits of Colonoscopy in preventing the development of Colorectal Cancer
And in case you are asking how colonoscopy prevents the development of colorectal cancer, here is how it works:
Polyps are harmless growths which may develop to cancer
It can take them 5-10 years to become hazardous
Colonoscopy detects them and eliminates them at an early stage
Why It Matters:
Get treatment right away
Take tissues to quickly answer
Get a clear colon and get peace of mind
Today a fast test will save a very big problem tomorrow, says Dr. Pothuri
4. At What Age Should You begin Routine Colonoscopy?
When should you commence regular colonoscopy screenings, then it depends on your risk.
Screening Guidelines:
Age 45-75: Begin at 45 provided that you are at average risk
Age 76-85: See whether your doctor thinks that it makes sense to screen
Over 85: In most cases, it is not necessary to be recommended
High-Risk Factors:
The history of colorectal cancer or polyps in family
IBD history (Crohn, or ulcerative colitis)
Family history of a genetic disorder such as Lynch syndrome
In the multicultural Houston community, Dr. Pothuri says that we personalize screening
5. Knowing the role of Colonoscopy in the Early Detection of Cancer
Early diagnosis implies improved results
With stage I colon cancer, the survival rate is 90 percent
Stage IV survival is reduced to only 14% survival
Colonoscopy has the ability of detecting the cancer at an early stage before it spreads
The Process:
Take colon cleaning instructions
Take light tranquilizers to ease the pain
Any polyps are checked and removed by the doctor
Take a break of one hour after test
There is no better place to view a colon, says Dr. Pothuri, than a clean one.
6. Colonoscopy Preventive of Colon Cancer
It is more than a phrase that has been proved that colonoscopy is an effective preventive measure against colon cancer.
Why It Works:
Reduces cancer risk by up to 90%
Precludes expensive management of advanced disease
Uncommon ( fewer than 1 in 1,000 cases ) complication
At Gastrodoxs, we have aided the patients to prevent cancer through detection of polyps at an early stage
Each test success story is a reminder to others that they need to book their test
Dr. Pothuri says that prevention is a team work. First you put your foot in the door we will see to the rest.
7. Colonoscopy vs. Other Screening Methods
Feature
Colonoscopy
FIT Test
CT Colonography
Sigmoidoscopy
Removes polyps finds
Yes
No
No
Yes (partial)
Frequency
Once in every 10 yrs
Once in every year
Once in every 5 yrs
Once in every 5-10 yrs
Sedation needed
Yes
No
No
Sometimes
Preparation required
Full cleanse
Minimal
Full cleanse
Partial cleanse
Precision (Cancer)
Maximum
Mean
Maximum
Mean
Houstonian doctors seem to like colonoscopy because it is comprehensive and accurate.
8. Colonoscopy Preparation in Houston
Good prep = better results. Follow these steps:
3 Days Before: Consume low-fiber food (white bread, rice, eggs). Avoid seeds, nuts, raw veggies.
1 Day Before: Change to clear liquids. Take your bowel prep medication.
Day of Test: Be able to bring a list of your meds. Be at your clinic in Houston on time. Get somebody who would drive you back home.
Dr. Pothuri says good prep equals good test.
The better the prep, the better the test, says Dr. Pothuri.
9. Tips for a Smooth Procedure
Majority are nervous, however, the process is not painful and is safe to most of the people.
Helpful Tips:
Wear loose clothes
Bring a book/ charger to wait
Request your physician regarding any type of sedation
Breathe deeply to relax
You will take a nap of about an hour after your test and home
10. True Confessions of Houston Patients
Meet Maria, Age 52:
Her mom had colon cancer
At 50, Maria was first colonoscoped
The polyp was 1 cm in size and was removed by doctors
Biopsy normal; 10-year follow-up
Maria says, I was frightened, but Gustrodoxs put it easy. Now I say to everybody just get it done.
Colonoscopy saves lives. It assists in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer. Your doctor should talk to you whether you are 45 or in your retirement age. We are Gastrodoxs Houston, and we can get you to make that first step.
Dr. Pothuri says that a few hours of your time today can bring years into your life.
About the Author
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Majority of patients do not experience anything during the test. You will be relaxed and in a coma. Thereafter, you can experience a slight bloating or gas.
What is the entire duration of the process?
Plan around 3-4 hours. The preparation and the recovery is shown to consume approximately an hour each with a 30-minute process between them.
Is colonoscopy safe?
Yes. severe complications occur in fewer than 1 per 1,000 instances. It is extremely low-risk with the help of sedation and modern equipment.
Suppose my family had colon cancer?
You're at higher risk. Early screening usually 10 years before your family member was diagnosed or when you are 40 years old. Talk to your doctor.
Is it possible to eat or drink prior to the test?
No. The day before, you are on a clear-liquid diet and have a bowel prep. This cleanses out your colon to see.
Will my insurance cover it?
Colonoscopy is a screening covered by most of the plans. Check with your provider and with our staff to confirm your benefits.
What is the frequency of the repetition of the test?
Provided your results are normal, repeat at least every 10 years. In case of the presence of polyps, your doctor will establish a new interval.
Will I be able to work the following day?
Yes. Most people get back to normal activities the following morning after your sedation wears out.
What will be the outcome in case they detect polyps?
Polyps get removed and biopsied. It normally results in 1-2 weeks and you go home the same day.
What is the way to make a colonoscopy reservation at Gastrodoxs?
Make an appointment at our clinic in Houston or use our online appointment request form. We will assign your date, guide you through your prep and respond to any questions.