A colonoscopy remains the gold-standard investigative tool for numerous gastrointestinal issues. Among the colonoscopy’s benefits: doctors can remove any pathology encountered. Whether you’re over 50 and it’s time to get screened for colorectal cancer, or your abdominal issues require further examination, call or make an appointment online today with Dr. Sreelatha Reddy at Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic in Sugar Land, TX.
A colonoscopy enables Dr. Reddy to image and examine your rectum and colon. Dr. Reddy uses a scope with a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube to see if you have inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, or ulcers.
Before your colonoscopy, you'll need to take several steps to clean out your colon so that residue doesn't obstruct the camera’s view. To do so, Dr. Reddy asks you to:
The day before your colonoscopy, you can’t eat solid food and drinking is limited to clear liquids. It’s best to avoid red fluids, as they tend to get confused with blood during your exam.
Use an enema kit the night before your colonoscopy. Taking a laxative both the night before and the morning of the procedure also helps with elimination.
Before the exam, Dr. Reddy often adjusts or has you temporarily stop taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems, as well as iron supplements and blood thinners.
It takes Dr. Reddy between a half-hour and an hour to perform your colonoscopy.
You’re first given medication to dull the pain. You then lie on a table, and Dr. Reddy inserts a scope through your anus, and up the entire length of your colon. Air gets pumped into your large intestine to inflate it for a better view. The camera then sends a video image to a monitor.
Dr. Reddy thoroughly examines your large intestine, removes any polyps and abnormal tissue, and sends them to a lab for testing.
Your anesthesia takes up to two hours to wear off, and you won’t be able to drive after your colonoscopy. It takes a day to get back to your regular activities and diet.
A colonoscopy is an effective way to diagnosis and evaluates you for various GI issues. These include:
Dr. Reddy also uses a colonoscopy to remove polyps, control bleeding, and screen for colon cancer.
For a complete examination of your colon to improve or maintain your health, call or make an appointment online today with Dr. Sreelatha Reddy at Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic in Houston.
Watch a Colonoscopy Video Tour Here
Watch for questions to ask about a high quality Colonoscopy.
Read more on how to make colonscopy prep easier.
Dr. Reddy is a specialized gastroenterologist that sees patients for endoscopy, cancer screening and more located in Sugarland, Texas and Houston, Texas. Call us to book your appointment today.
