Colonoscopies & Colon Care

Highly skilled gastroenterologists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health perform tens of thousands of colorectal screenings every year. Learn lifesaving reasons to consider a colonoscopy screening.

 

Colonoscopy is the number one tool available to help detect early signs of cancer. It is also the only screening that can prevent cancer. Colonoscopy screenings allow your doctor to locate and remove polyps — small growths inside the colon — that can become cancerous if left untreated.

 

Specialists at the Underwood Center also conduct colonoscopies to rule out, monitor or confirm other gastrointestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.

Call Us to Schedule Your Colonoscopy

Our Approach to Colon Care

Our gastroenterologists, as well as our primary care doctors, take a proactive approach to colon care. We will refer you for a preventive colonoscopy if you are 45 years of age or older and have never had a screening colonoscopy, or if it has been 10 years or more since your last screening.

 

If you have had an immediate family member diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we recommend an earlier screening at age 40, or 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed — whichever is earlier. Or, if you experience intestinal problems such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool or prolonged diarrhea, you may be referred for an immediate colonoscopy.

 

You may also be able to schedule a colonoscopy for yourself. Call us at 713.790.3333 to find out if you qualify. Please consult your insurance provider to confirm coverage if you are under the age of 45.

Ranked #7 in the Nation for GI Care

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital. 

 

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Colonoscopies for Colon Care at Houston Methodist

There are many steps you can take to support better digestive health, like taking a probiotic and getting plenty of fiber in your diet. But there are some conditions that no amount of lifestyle changes can help you avoid. Colon cancer affects one in 23 men and one in 25 women, making it one of the most common forms of cancer in the world.

Fortunately, colon cancer is, to a certain extent, preventable. And if cancer is discovered in the early stage, it’s often treatable. That’s why our team at Houston Methodist is committed to helping you maintain regular colon care, starting with colonoscopies. Here are three ways our gastroenterologists use colonoscopies to care for the colon:

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Screening colonoscopies are endoscopy procedures recommended for all individuals over the age of 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, we recommend an earlier screening at age 40, or 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed — whichever is earlier. 

To perform a colonoscopy, your physician inserts a flexible tube, called a colonoscope, into the rectum and colon. The colonoscope has a light on the end, and the physician guides it through the area, monitoring the inside of the colon through a video monitor. The physician then takes pictures, notes any abnormalities and recommends next steps.

If the colonoscopy is normal, you will be cleared to wait 10 years for the next screening, unless you develop any concerning symptoms or related health issues before then. 

Polyp Removal

It is not unusual for your gastroenterologist to find colon polyps during your colonoscopy. These are small growths of tissue inside the colon, and while they’re most often benign, they can become cancerous if left untreated.

If polyps are discovered during your procedure, they will often be removed right then, to prevent them from becoming malignant. Most of the time, polyps are asymptomatic. However, if they go undetected, you may notice some gastrointestinal changes, like constipation, bloating or abdominal pain. Be sure to let your gastroenterologist know you’ve had these symptoms prior to your colonoscopy. 

Diagnostic Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are primarily a cancer screening tool, but they can also be used to rule out or diagnose other conditions. Your physician may recommend a colonoscopy if you are symptomatic and Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis are suspected. 
 
If you experience intestinal problems such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool or prolonged diarrhea, you may be referred for an immediate colonoscopy. If abnormalities or suspicious growths are found, your physician may take tissue samples to perform a biopsy which could confirm colon or rectal cancer.
 
If you have unusual symptoms and are concerned about your risk of colorectal cancer, you should call 713.790.3333 to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

What to Expect From Your Colonoscopy

  • Colonoscopy Preparation

    A few days before your colonoscopy, you’ll begin adjusting your diet to ensure your colon is properly prepared for the procedure. While specific instructions may vary, most patients are asked to follow a low-fiber diet for two to three days, transitioning to a clear liquid diet (water, broth, plain gelatin) 24 hours before the procedure.

    The bowel preparation begins the afternoon or the night before your colonoscopy. Your doctor will direct you to take a prescribed oral laxative preparation solution. The laxative causes you to have diarrhea to clean your colon. In some cases when an oral laxative is not possible or effective, an enema may be needed. Emptying the bowels completely allows the doctor to see the inside of the rectum and colon during the procedure. The timing and instructions will depend on the specific preparation prescribed and the time of your procedure.

     

    All details will be clearly outlined in your prescription, including any adjustments to your medications or supplements prior to the procedure. Rest assured, our care team is here to support you every step of the way.

  • During the Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopies are not typically painful. You are sedated during the procedure to help you feel comfortable. You could experience slight pressure or cramping. This outpatient procedure is relatively quick, generally only 20 to 40 minutes.

    During the procedure, you will lay on your side. The doctor inserts the colonoscope (long, flexible tube) into the rectum. A small camera placed at the end of the tube allows the doctor to view the entire colon. 

    If abnormal tissue is found, a small amount of that tissue is removed for analysis (a biopsy). Your doctor will also remove any polyps located during the procedure.

  • Follow-up After the Procedure

    It takes approximately one hour after the procedure for you to wake up and recover from the sedative. You may feel tired and groggy until the following day and will need to arrange for a ride home after the procedure.

    You may experience bloating or have a need to pass gas for up to 30 minutes. A light walk can help relieve your discomfort.

    It can be normal to experience a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement after the procedure, but side effects are usually minimal. Call your doctor right away if you pass large blood clots or have severe abdominal pain, dizziness or a fever, as this could be signs of a perforation of the colon wall.

    Your doctor will tell you if any tissue was removed for testing and will follow up with you once the official lab results are available within a couple weeks.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Your Colonoscopy?

No one looks forward to having a colonoscopy, but the fact remains that they are the number one way to prevent or catch colorectal cancer. If you are over the age of 45 or have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, routine colonoscopies are a must. Trust the hospital that’s one of the top-ranked in gastroenterology in the nation; trust Houston Methodist. Our experts at the Underwood Center for Digestive Health lead the field in preventing, diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer. 

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