Colonoscopy

Progressive Surgical Care

Colorectal Surgeons and General Surgeons located in Flushing, Howard Beach, Queens & New Hyde Park, Long Island

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer that affects both men and women and the second-leading cause of cancer death. A colonoscopy is a screening tool that helps identify polyps, and changes to your colon that may indicate early signs of this common cancer. The experienced team at Progressive Surgical Care, with New York offices in Flushing, New Hyde Park, Long Island, Howard Beach, Queens and Forest Hills, offers screening colonoscopy , as well as diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy procedures, such as a polypectomy. To schedule your colonoscopy, call the office today.

Colonoscopy Q & A

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an examination that allows your doctor at Progressive Surgical Care to closely evaluate and scrutinize your colon. During the procedure, your colon and rectal specialist uses a special tool called a colonoscope that captures images of your colon and rectum for evaluation. If necessary, surgical tools can be inserted through the colonoscope to take tissue samples or remove polyps.

Why would I need a colonoscopy?

There are many reasons why you may need a colonoscopy. Your specialist at Progressive Surgical Care may recommend a colonoscopy if you’re experiencing:

Unexplained weight loss
Anal or rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits

The experienced team at Progressive Surgical Care also offers colonoscopy testing for colon cancer screening. Everyone over the age of 45 should get screened for colon cancer. However, you may require screenings earlier if there’s a history of colon cancer in your family or you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Before your specialist at Progressive Surgical Care can perform your colonoscopy, you must first clean out your colon. This requires that you follow a strict diet the day before the exam and take a laxative to clear out any residue. The most up to date low volume pleasant tasting preparations will be offered.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

To ease your discomfort, your colonoscopy is performed under sedation with a board-certified anesthesiologist. During the test, your specialist has you lie on your side with your knees bent and then while sedated, inserts the colonoscope into your rectum.

The scope is long enough to evaluate the entire length of your colon and takes images as it travels along. Surgical instruments may be passed through the colonoscope to take a biopsy of your tissue or remove polyps.

Your entire colonoscopy takes 20-60 minutes. You may need to take it easy following your test. Due to the use of sedation, you also need to arrange a ride home after your colonoscopy.

What is a polypectomy?

A polypectomy is the surgical term used to describe the removal of a polyp. A polyp is a growth of tissue that develops within your colon wall. While most polyps are benign, colon cancer usually begins as a polyp.

To schedule your colonoscopy, call Progressive Surgical Care today or request an appointment online.

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