Colonoscopy
in Denver

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exam used to identify abnormalities or changes in the colon and rectum. The procedure uses a flexible scope with a camera to view and examine the inside of the large intestine. Colonoscopy evaluates for causes of various gastrointestinal symptoms, and screens for and removes potentially precancerous polyps.

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in colorectal (colon) cancer screening and prevention. Among the options considered for colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy is the only tier-one test where the goal is prevention. Colonoscopy is also the only screening test that can prevent and detect colorectal cancer.

Colon polyps are benign but potentially precancerous growths located on the lining of the large intestine. They cause no symptoms. If colon polyps are not removed, they have the potential to grow larger over time and can turn into colorectal cancer. The risk of colon cancer is significantly reduced by safely removing these polyps during colonoscopy, and then repeating colonoscopy at an interval based on individual risk factors to remove new polyps.

When Do I Start Screening for Colorectal Cancer?

The American Cancer Society and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend that average-risk patients begin screening colonoscopies at age 45. Individuals who have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a first degree relative with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, certain digestive diseases or genetic conditions that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, may need to have a colonoscopy younger than age 45.

How Often Should I Have a Colonoscopy?

The interval between colonoscopies for an individual depends on their personal risk factors and findings of previous colonoscopy exams. Some people grow more polyps than others or may develop colon polyps at a younger age, even with no known family history of colorectal cancer.

People are also more likely to develop precancerous colon polyps as they age. Based on the findings on your initial (screening) colonoscopy, a recommendation will be made on when to repeat the screening test. This is usually several years later, though very high-risk findings may indicate a need to repeat a colonoscopy sooner. In patients who have no precancerous colon polyps detected on their initial colonoscopy, and with no other risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer, the colonoscopy is typically repeated 10 years later.

I Have No Symptoms and No Family History of Colorectal Cancer. Am I Still at Risk?

Polyps are potentially precancerous growths that cause no symptoms. Preventing colorectal cancer is particularly difficult without colonoscopy because symptoms typically do not occur until cancer has progressed to more advanced stages or grown large enough to cause symptoms like bleeding. For patients who have certain symptoms, colonoscopy is important to identify the cause. However, colonoscopy for prevention of colorectal cancer is crucial even for patients with no symptoms.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States in both men and women. If you combine genders together, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. A vast majority of colorectal cancer occurs in individuals who have no known family history of the cancer, highlighting the importance of colonoscopy for prevention in all patients, regardless of symptoms or known risk factors. It is also important to note that African Americans are around 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and are about 40% more likely to die from this disease when compared to other races. There are more complicated factors that can increase cancer risk for an individual aside from family history of colorectal cancer, and these should always be highlighted when discussing colonoscopy with your South Denver GI gastroenterologist or other health care providers.

How Do I Prepare for My Colonoscopy?

Prior to a colonoscopy at South Denver GI, you will need to empty out the colon and adequately clean the walls of the large intestine so that your gastroenterologist can view the surface in its entirety to search for polyps and other findings. There are multiple types of bowel preparation, with options available to tailor to the individual needs of a patient. In general, preparing for your colonoscopy includes:

• Minor changes to the diet starting 1 week before the exam, such as avoiding seeds.
• Avoid eating solid food the day before the exam.
• You may need to adjust your medications before the procedure. Changes are sometimes needed for heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure and blood thinners. Please speak to your doctor at least one week before your colonoscopy.
• You will take a bowel preparation, either in liquid or pill form, usually starting the day before the procedure.

What Happens on the Day of the Colonoscopy?

After checking in at a South Denver GI endoscopy center, getting an IV placed and consenting for the procedure, you will go to the procedure room where sedation will begin. A colonoscopy typically takes 20-30 minutes and you should remain comfortable throughout the procedure. With the camera inserted into the rectum and advanced to the beginning of the large intestine, your doctor will use an external screen to examine for precancerous polyps or other abnormalities. Tissue samples may be taken during the procedure, and polyps are removed, if found. Taking tissue samples causes no pain, as the lining of our intestines lacks the pain sensors that exist in our skin.

Once the exam is complete, you will wake up in the recovery area for about 30 minutes and then your pre-assigned driver (family or friend) will take you home.

What Type of Sedation Will I Get for My Colonoscopy?

The form of sedation used for minimally invasive procedures like colonoscopies is “moderate sedation.” Patients are still breathing on their own throughout a colonoscopy, as this is not “general anesthesia” that is typically used for bigger surgeries. Patient comfort is the goal of sedation. If you have concerns about the type of sedation used for your colonoscopy, please discuss this with your referring doctor or with South Denver GI at least 2 weeks before your procedure date.

When Will I Learn the Results of My Colonoscopy?

Your gastroenterologist will discuss the results of your colonoscopy immediately after the procedure. If you wish, these results can also be discussed with your driver, as sedation can sometimes alter our ability to remember conversations in the recovery area. Polyps are very common, and most can be confirmed as benign just based on visual appearance to your gastroenterologist. All tissue samples and removed polyps are sent for microscopic examination. These results will be reviewed by your gastroenterologist and communicated to you and your referring doctor by phone or mail, usually 1-2 weeks following the procedure.

Colonoscopy FAQs

These people were all extremely professional and kind. The bedside manner from all staff was great and they were thorough with all information. Medical stuff is hard to deal with, but with people like this, the discomfort was eased. I highly recommend this office to anyone needing this type of help.

Read All Reviews

My experience with South Denver GI has been outstanding. Everyone I have met on the staff is exceptionally professional with tremendous people skills. Top-notch practice that I would unequivocally recommend to anyone.

Read All Reviews

The front staff was immediately attentive as soon as I walked in. The nurses and PAs were professional and very nice, and the doctors were even better. The procedure went smoothly and could not have gone better. Of course, having positive lab results makes it easier to post a glowing report but I got the impression that if I had been diagnosed differently, they would have taken care of me with the same kindness and dedication.

Read All Reviews

Our Providers

Our Locations