Colonoscopy in Santa Ana, CA
On average, colorectal cancers kill an estimated 50,000 people each year in the United States. However, with proper screening, these numbers can be reduced. Albert Chung, MD, FACS, has years of experience as a proctologist and has performed hundreds of colonoscopies. With the ability to conveniently perform the procedures in his office in Santa Ana, Dr. Chung helps prevent colorectal cancers and other issues of the large intestine. Contact us today by calling (714) 988-8690.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables Dr. Chung to see the inner lining of your rectum and colon. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube with a camera as thick as your finger is inserted into the anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and colon. The instrument, called a colonoscope, has its own lens and light source and it allows Dr. Chung to view images on a video monitor.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy may be done for a variety of reasons, including:
- A routine check for colon tumors
- A routine check for colon polyps
- Investigate abdominal pain
- Check blood in the stool
- Investigate frequent diarrhea
- Routine check-up if you have a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
It is suggested that all people undergo a routine colonoscopy around age 50 and every ten years thereafter to catch polyps before they turn cancerous.
How Do You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?
Prior to receiving a colonoscopy, the colon must be completely cleaned. Dr. Chung will give you the following information to prepare for your procedure:
- Stop eating solid foods and drink only clear fluids one to two days before the colonoscopy. Some approved foods and liquids include water, tea, coffee, cleared broths, and gelatin.
- There are multiple ways to prepare someone the day before a colonoscopy to tablets, solutions, or a mixture of both. Follow the instructions given by Dr. Chung so you can have a successful procedure.
- To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids while preparing for your procedure.
- Stop drinking clear liquids six to eight hours prior to the procedure.
To find additional information on how to prepare for colonscopy, of course, speak with Dr. Chung to get his guidelines, but WebMD published a very good article with 4 steps on how to prepare for a colonoscopy.
How Do You Recover From a Colonoscopy?
When you are fully awake, you will be released from the hospital or office the procedure was performed at. Depending on the amount of anesthesia that you were given, you might not be able to operate machinery for up to 12 hours. Patients are allowed to eat normal foods and are required to drink a lot of fluids after testing to replace the water that was lost in the colonoscopy preparation process.