Colonoscopy
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United Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterology located in Northridge, CA & Encino, CA
Suhail Salem, MD, offers colonoscopy procedures for patients in Northridge and Encino, California, to help diagnose any digestive or stomach issues. Whether you need a diagnosis for unexplained pain or bleeding or want to stay proactive about colon cancer prevention, Dr. Salem can perform a colonoscopy and recommend the right treatment for your diagnosis. Learn more about the benefits of a colonoscopy by calling the office nearest you or scheduling an appointment online today.
Colonoscopy Q & A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health of your colon, rectum, and anus. This type of tests helps Dr. Salem identify early signs of disease, like infections or cancer. You may also need a colonoscopy to determine the cause of symptoms, like bleeding or pain.
As part of your preventive health care plan, you should begin scheduling a colonoscopy every 10 years once you reach the age of 50 to ensure good colon health.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible tube with an attached camera that travels through the anal opening into the beginning of your colon. The camera transmits real-time images of your internal structures to an external monitor, which Dr. Salem watches throughout the procedure.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Salem checks for abnormalities, including polyps, that can indicate an underlying medical issue. In many cases, he’ll also remove the polyps for further evaluation during the same procedure.
If polyps are too large for removal during a colonoscopy, Dr. Salem can schedule another date for surgical removal of the growths. However, he’ll take samples of the tissue during your colonoscopy for lab analysis.
By analyzing these removed polyps, Dr. Salem can determine if any of the tissues are cancerous. With an early diagnosis, you can increase your chances for successful treatment of conditions, like colon cancer.
What can I expect on the day of my colonoscopy?
Prior to your colonoscopy, the staff at Dr. Salem’s office instructs you how to prepare your bowel.
On the day of your procedure, you can expect to receive light sedation by a board-certified anesthesiologist. For this reason, you need to bring a family member or friend to drive you home from your appointment.
Once the colonoscopy is complete, you need to recover from anesthesia for a brief period of time before going home to rest. Dr. Salem sends any removed polyps to a lab for further testing and can advise of results within a week.
To schedule a preventive colonoscopy or learn more about the benefits of the procedure, call Suhail Salem, MD, or book an appointment online today.
