Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy services offered in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY

Colonoscopy is often considered the gold standard test for colon cancer screening, and it’s also a helpful diagnostic tool for many other intestinal disorders and diseases. At JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC in Lower Manhattan, New York City, board-certified gastroenterologist Nancy Lau, MD, uses colonoscopy procedures to screen for cancer and remove polyps as needed. Schedule a colonoscopy by calling the JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC office or requesting an appointment online today.

Colonoscopy Q&A

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that screens for colorectal cancer, a common form of cancer in the United States.

It involves inserting a thin lighted tube through your anus into your large intestine, allowing Dr. Lau to screen for gastrointestinal diseases and treat or prevent cancerous tissues. Colonoscopies are endoscopies that examine your anus, rectum, and colon.

Diagnostic colonoscopies screen for potential GI problems, while therapeutic colonoscopies can treat certain gastrointestinal conditions.

Who may be a candidate for a colonoscopy?

Candidates for colonoscopies often include individuals who:

Are 45 and older
Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer
Haven’t had a colonoscopy in 10 years
Are diagnosed diseases that increases the risk of colon cancer
Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Experience new or unusual GI symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate a need for a colonoscopy include:

Rectal bleeding
Diarrhea
Constipation
Incontinence
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain

Dr. Lau determines if this procedure is right for you based on your medical history, risk factors, lifestyle, and symptoms. You might also need an intestinal biopsy.

Examples of conditions a colonoscopy can diagnose include Crohn's disease, large bowel obstruction, and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Lau can also diagnose diverticulitis, ulcers, polyps, and colorectal cancer.

How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Dr. Lau provides instructions for how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You must alter your diet by consuming a low-fiber diet, followed by a clear liquid diet. You must also take a laxative to clean out your bowels. Plan to bring someone with you to your appointment to drive you home.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

You’ll change into a hospital gown and take a sedative before your colonoscopy to help you relax or fall asleep. Dr. Lau inserts a tiny scope through your anus into your rectum and colon to look for signs of cancer.

She might remove polyps, seal wounds, remove blockages, place stents, inject medications, or treat tissues with a laser during your colonoscopy. The procedure lasts about 30-60 minutes.

Then, you’ll spend time in a recovery area and speak with Dr. Lau about her findings. Take the rest of the day off from work and avoid driving.

If you’re a candidate for a virtual colonoscopy, CT scanning technology produces 3D images of the inside of your digestive system instead of requiring scope insertion. However, you still must clean out your bowels before the procedure.

You still may need a traditional colonoscopy if the results of the CT images are abnormal. Stool tests also help screen for colorectal cancer.

Schedule a colonoscopy at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.