A colonoscopy exam can diagnose the cause of bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms and detect abnormal tissue that may be precancerous. The board-certified surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery perform colonoscopy procedures at their office in Peoria, Arizona, to diagnose symptoms and as part of preventive health care for their patients. To schedule a colonoscopy, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Our practice is located at 14155 N. 83rd Ave. Suite 105 in Peoria, AZ. Call us to schedule your appointment today or call us at (623) 486-7700.
request an appointmentWhat is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows the surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery to closely examine the inside of your large intestine, which is your colon and rectum.
During a colonoscopy, your surgeon inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum. The colonoscope has a tiny camera at the end that allows your surgeon to view your entire colon on a video monitor.
If they discover growths, such as polyps, or other abnormal tissue, your surgeon may remove them during the colonoscopy procedure. They may also take tissue samples (biopsy) to send to a lab for testing.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
The team at CMIRS uses colonoscopy for several reasons, including:
Investigate gastrointestinal symptoms
A colonoscopy provides important information about the health of your colon. This procedure can help your provider find the underlying cause of symptoms such as:
- Anal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
They may also perform a colonoscopy to explore possible causes of bowel activity changes, including chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Screen for colorectal cancer
Colonoscopy is a valuable screening tool for colon polyps and cancer. If you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer, you should get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50.
You may need earlier or more frequent colonoscopies if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a personal or family history of colon polyps.
What should I expect from a colonoscopy procedure?
Before a colonoscopy, it’s important to clean out your colon. Your provider at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery gives you instructions on how to do this. You may need to follow a special diet and use a laxative or enema kit.
The doctors at CMIRS perform colonoscopies as outpatient procedures, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital. They may provide you with a sedative or IV pain medication to minimize discomfort.
During a colonoscopy, you lie on your side on the exam table as your surgeon carefully inserts the scope into your rectum. The entire procedure takes about 30-60 minutes.
Afterward, you should plan to relax for the rest of the day. Your surgeon shares the result of your colonoscopy with you and lets you know when it’s safe to resume a normal diet.
If you need a colonoscopy, call the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery or book an appointment online today.
