Colonoscopy

About 150,000 new colorectal cancers are reported each year in the United States. At Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, board-certified gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, and the team use colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer, reducing your risk of life-threatening complications. Schedule a colonoscopy at Mirage Health by phone or request one online today. 

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a type of colon cancer screening that can detect polyps and cancer within your lower digestive tract. It uses a thin lighted tube with a camera inserted into your rectum, guided through your colon to view the inside of your large intestine and look for polyps. Your provider takes a biopsy during the procedure when necessary.

What are colonoscopies used for?

Colonoscopies can screen for colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal problems like diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They help pinpoint the cause of GI symptoms, such as blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or bowel movement changes. 

Colonoscopies may detect the presence of colon polyps, which sometimes turn cancerous, even if you don’t have any symptoms. 

How should I prepare for my colonoscopy?

It’s important to prepare properly for a colonoscopy by following all of your provider’s instructions. 

You’ll need to alter your diet and use laxatives to clean out your colon and rectum. You should plan to be near a bathroom during this time, as you’ll have frequent and watery bowel movements. 

Sedation helps you feel sleepy during the procedure, but you’ll need to make arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you home afterward.

What are the different types of colonoscopies?

There are several types of colonoscopy procedures available at Mirage Health, including:

Traditional colonoscopy

A traditional colonoscopy uses a long, thin lighted tube with a camera to screen for polyps and cancer in the rectum and your entire colon. This diagnostic procedure looks for inflammation, bleeding, polyps, and other lower digestive tract concerns. Your specialist may remove polyps during the procedure and send them to a lab for analysis. 

Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography)

A virtual colonoscopy uses computed tomography (CT scanning) to create images of your colon, allowing your provider to detect potential problems without a full colonoscopy or sedation. However, if they detect a problem, you should still complete a traditional colonoscopy. 

Capsule endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy requires you to swallow a capsule containing a tiny camera. It takes pictures as it passes through your digestive tract to screen for polyps and cancer. A capsule endoscopy can evaluate anemia, bleeding, bowel disorders, and more.

Schedule a colonoscopy with the experts at Mirage Health by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.