Colonoscopy

Fast, easy, and painless – this routine screening can detect and prevent colon cancer and other digestive conditions. And with our fast track colonoscopy program, we've made it even easier to schedule yours today.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a simple colon cancer screening test that allows a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to look at the inside of the colon (lower intestines) and rectum. Colonoscopies can also detect other issues and abnormalities.

Who should have a Colonoscopy?

• Everyone age 45 and older.
• Younger people who have had a first-degree relative (mother, father, siblings) diagnosed with colorectal cancer at or before age 50. In these cases, the recommended age to start colonoscopy screenings is the age of onset for that relative minus 10 years. (i.e. If your father developed colorectal cancer at age 45, you should have a colonoscopy at age 35.
• People who are considered at high-risk for colon cancer because of diseases like ulcerative colitis or another type of inflammatory bowel disease.
• People who have symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits with new constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain or weight loss.

Our Approach to Colonoscopies

Colon polyps are precancerous growths that grow slowly over time - with the potential of becoming cancerous tumors. What makes colonoscopies so effective is that our team can remove these growths well before they become cancerous.

By connecting with our team, you can expect:

• Advanced Technology: Our team uses high-definition colonoscopy cameras that show greater detail of the lining of your intestine.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: If needed, we utilize robotic surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) technology to remove benign or early-stage cancerous tumors as well as large polyps that an endoscope can’t remove.
• Colonoscopy Expertise: An experienced gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon will perform your colonoscopy. In fact, our team performs thousands of colonoscopies each year.
• Here for Good: Through the NJCEED program, we offer access to free colorectal screenings for patients who meet the qualifications.

Benefits of Colonoscopies

A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer. Pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the screening, BEFORE they develop into cancer. While there are other colon cancer screening methods, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for signs of cancer and remove polyps in one procedure.

Colonoscopies can also detect:

• Polyps
• Cancerous tissues
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulosis, diverticular bleeding, diverticulitis
• Hemorrhoids 

What to Expect With a Colonoscopy

• Your doctor will ask you to abstain from all food and certain colored beverages for 1-2 days before your colonoscopy.
• The day before, you’ll take bowel preparation medication to empty stool from the colon. This allows the doctor to clearly see and examine the intestinal lining. This prep often involves a series of laxative doses that cause frequent, watery bowel movements.
• On the day of your colonoscopy, you’ll be given intravenous (IV) sedation so you’re comfortable during the exam.
• The doctor inserts a scope through the anus and into the rectum. The scope is a long, thin flexible tube that has a tiny camera and light that allows the doctor to view your colon lining on a video screen.
• A typical colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes but plan to be at the hospital/surgery center for at least 2 hours for preparation, the procedure, and recovery.
• Polyp removal and tissue biopsies often are performed at the time of the screening. These specimens are sent to pathology for examination, and patients receive results within a week.