Why It’s Necessary: A colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing and detecting colorectal cancer. Most colon cancers begin as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps. During a colonoscopy, we can find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer, making it a life-saving procedure. It is recommended for everyone over the age of 45 (or sooner if you have risk factors), even if you feel perfectly healthy.

How It’s Done: The procedure is performed under sedation so that you won’t feel a thing. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (a colonoscope) is gently guided through your large intestine. The camera transmits a clear image to a monitor, allowing Dr. Trinh to examine the lining of your colon for any abnormalities. If a polyp is found, a small instrument is passed through the scope to safely remove it immediately. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.

Precautions: The most important part of a successful colonoscopy is the bowel preparation. We will provide you with detailed instructions on a special diet to follow in the days leading up to your exam, along with a liquid “bowel prep” to drink. This is essential to ensure your colon is completely clean so we can get a clear view. Because of the sedation, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.