Most people dread getting a colonoscopy.There are multiple reasons for this:1Starting with the embarrassment of the part of the body being evaluated, to the fear of the anesthesia being used, and the bowel preparation process.
The Physicians at Colon & Rectal Specialists are aware of these concerns.
- More tolerable colon prep
- Split dosing, less fasting
- Get in sooner
- Better sedation
- You meet your doctor prior
- Removal of polyps
- Convenience & Privacy
- Fast answers
- More detail below
Not to Fear! We do things differently than most so patients are more comfortable. We will meet with you before the procedure so you know that it is ONE OF US performing your colonoscopy.
You can meet the doctor, our staff, and get an idea of where and how your procedure will be performed. We do 90% of our colonoscopies in our private, accredited endoscopy suite. This will ensure that you do not have to be embarrassed as you get one-on-one service.
Better Bowel Prep
We know that there are “horror stories” regarding the bowel preparation process! That is why we individualize the bowel prep based on the medical needs of the patient. Look, we know that no matter how it is packaged, a “ bowel cleansing” is not a “fun” event.
Our on-site Endoscopy Suites where colonoscopies are performed are accredited by AAAHC.
That’s why we use pill prep (Osmoprep), a more tolerable prep, for over 75% of the colonoscopies we perform. However, not everyone can take the “pill prep”, so please talk to your doctor about that option.
We make our colonoscopies a better patient experience because we want you to come back
Research reports that more than 50% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented with regular screening combined with a healthy lifestyle.2 And for those over 50 or those in high-risk groups, making it more comfortable inspires patients who need to follow up to do so. Colon Cancer typically takes 10 years to manifest itself– statistically around the age of 60 so most people not in high risk groups need a screening at age 50.
What makes a Colonoscopy at Colon & Rectal Specialists Better?
- Faster appointments. You can usually get in within a week and get it done!
- You meet your doctor. Get one elsewhere and you meet the doctor for the first time on the day of the procedure right before you go under
- More tolerable colon prep. We use pill prep for most patients (for those whom it is not contraindicated)
- Split dosing means less fasting time. We’ve done the clinical trials to prove this works and patients like it better
- Recovery post procedure is fast. We use a fast acting sedation that wears off quickly afterwards. Patients are under for the actual procedure but come out of it fast with no sick feeling. Most practices use Demerol which leaves you loopy and nauseous
- Removal of polyps. Removal of polyps during the actual colonoscopy procedure help to prevent the development of cancer.
- Convenience. Most colonoscopies are performed in our accredited Endoscopy suite located on site at our Stony Point and Mechanicsville locations making the procedure less of a hassle
- Fast answers. You get results in about 10 days by letter.
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Sources
1. Harewood GC, Wiersema MJ, Melton LJ III. A prospective, controlled assessment of factors influencing acceptance of screening colonoscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2002;97:3186-3194.
2. Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. Colon Cancer. Available at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cancer/cancers/colon/riskfactors/prevent_crc.htm. Accessed May 11, 2007.
