During Your Colonoscopy
At the Colorectal Center Los Angeles, our doctors have two priorities during each colonoscopy they deliver:
- Compassionate, comfortable care for the patient
- Effective colorectal treatment
With the above priorities fully in place during every procedure, our patients report an inviting experience from beginning to end. Further, both Dr. Murrell and Dr. Moore have long records of excellence based on successful treatment of many different colorectal conditions. All told, our facility provides among the best colonoscopy care Los Angeles has available. Please read below to learn about the steps taken during a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy overview
In delivering a colonoscopy, the first step is anesthesia. The type of anesthesia varies from patient to patient, and it is generally based on a combination of patient preference and the doctor’s professional recommendation. While some patients prefer local anesthetic, others may be more comfortable under general anesthetic. This aspect is thoroughly reviewed prior to the colonoscopy to ensure the highest level of comfort.
Anesthesia is administered by a board certified anesthesiologist who also monitors all vital signs to ensure the patient is comfortable and healthy throughout the procedure.
During a colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side, as this allows for better access to the entire lower intestine. The doctor inserts the colonoscope into the rectum. By advancing the colonoscope through the colon, he can examine its entire length for any abnormalities. If the colonoscopy is done under local anesthesia, the doctor may ask that the patient shift his or her position during the procedure to help the scope move along its course.
The image from the colonoscope is transferred to a high definition monitor, helping the doctor see exactly what is happening.
A colonoscopy lasts approximately 30 minutes. Patients then spend about an hour in our comfortable recovery room while the sedation wears off. We ask all our patients to arrange a ride home, as driving is not permitted for 24 hours following anesthesia.
Further advantages of a colonoscopy
While a colonoscopy is generally considered to be a diagnostic tool, it can also provide effective treatment for polyps located within the colon. This is important, as polyps are frequently the first sign of colorectal cancer. If the doctor finds any polyps, he can remove them through specialized tools inserted through the colonoscope. Once they are removed, they can be examined to determine their exact nature.
During a colonoscopy, a biopsy may also be performed. This means the doctor uses the scope to extract a small piece of colon tissue for laboratory examination. This tissue can then be examined to further determine any condition that may require treatment. It all goes towards ensuring the treatment is thorough and effective, with nothing being missed on the road to optimum health.
