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About Colonoscopy Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge and Lansdowne, VA
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of your large intestine to look for signs of disease. Colonoscopies are typically scheduled in our state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility in Fairfax, VA. Colonoscopy Consultations can be scheduled at any of our offices; call the office in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or book online today.
Colonoscopy Q & A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible scope with a video camera that sends images onto a computer skin so your doctor can evaluate the lining of your entire colon, or large intestine.
Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, performs colonoscopies to look for growths like colon polyps or colon cancer or to find the source of your gastrointestinal bleeding.
The specialists also perform a colonoscopy to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the large intestine, such as ulcerative colitis and diverticular disease.
What are the preparation steps for a colonoscopy?
You must have a clean colon in order to have a colonoscopy. The experts at FCRS provide very specific guidelines for the steps you need to take to prepare for your colonoscopy. These steps are called bowel prep.
There are many ways to prepare for a colonoscopy, and your surgeon determines the best method based on your individual needs and the reason you need the diagnostic procedure. Your bowel prep may include a liquid diet the day before your test and medication to clear out your colon.
Your surgeon may also ask that you stop taking blood-thinning medication or supplements a week before your test to reduce the risk of bleeding during the colonoscopy.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy typically takes 20-30 minute but may take longer if you need any procedures during the test.
Your surgeon at FCRS performs your colonoscopy while you’re under deep sedation. This means you’re sleeping during the test.
Your surgeon inserts the colonoscope into your anus and slowly advances the flexible tube through the entire length of your colon, looking for abnormalities. Then, they slowly remove the colonoscope, continuing to evaluate the tissue.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
Your surgeon reviews the results of your colonoscopy following the procedure. Results from any pathology testing take about ten days.
You must arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure and plan to take it easy the rest of the day. You can go back to work the next day.
Your surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment based on the results of your colonoscopy. However, no follow-up appointments are necessary for a routine colonoscopy for colon cancer screening.
To find out more about colonoscopy testing at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, call the office most convenient to you or schedule an appointment online today.