The American Cancer Society and other major health organizations encourage patients aged 45 and older with an average risk of colon cancer to undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years.
You probably know that a colonoscopy is one of the best and most effective ways to identify colon cancer early, but the thought of undergoing sedation and the procedure itself can be intimidating.
At his practice in Los Angeles and Glendale, California, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, regularly performs colonoscopies. Here, he provides a step-by-step guide, including how to prepare, what to expect on the day of the procedure, and what recovery looks like. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and ready to schedule your screening.
Getting ready for a colonoscopy starts a few days before the procedure. About five days before, you should start avoiding high-fiber foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Starting 24 hours before your colonoscopy, switch to a clear liquid diet, including water, clear broths, clear Jell-O, and sports drinks. Avoid red, orange, and purple liquids, as well as dairy beverages, like milk, and alcohol.
The evening before your procedure, drink the first half of your preparatory laxative solution, such as MiraLAX® or Suprep®, which works to clear your colon. Drink the second half on the morning of your colonoscopy.
Arrange a ride home after. A colonoscopy occurs under sedation, so you’ll need someone to pick you up.
On the day of your colonoscopy, arrive at our clinic or the hospital at least five minutes before your appointment time. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, fill out any necessary paperwork, and change into a hospital gown.
Next, a member of our staff will review your health history and ask you a series of questions. Answer each one as thoroughly as possible and let us know about any medications or allergies.
Once we gather that information, we explain the sedation options. Most patients opt for intravenous (IV) sedation, which helps you relax and may make you fall asleep, but conscious sedation is also available. Conscious sedation lets you relax while allowing you to stay aware. Regardless of the option you choose, we monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort and safety.
A colonoscopy typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes.
After the sedation takes effect, we position you on the examination table and carefully insert a colonoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera on the end, into your rectum. The colonoscope provides real-time images of the inside of your colon, letting Dr. Yavrouian check for polyps, inflammation, or other issues. If Dr. Yavrouian finds any polyps, he may remove them or take a small sample (biopsy) for further analysis.
Once the procedure is finished, Dr. Yavrouian removes the colonoscope and transfers you to a recovery room for observation. It typically takes at least half an hour for the sedation to begin wearing off. During this time, you may experience side effects, such as gas, cramping, or bloating. Our care team provides you with additional recovery instructions before you leave with your ride home.
After your colonoscopy, it’s normal to experience mild bloating, cramping, and gas for a day or two. Most people can resume their normal diet immediately, but we’ll let you know if there are any restrictions.
Most patients receive their results in about a week. Once we have them, we’ll give you a call and explain them in detail. If polyps were removed or any other abnormalities were found, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss next steps.
If you’re 45 or older and have an average risk of colon cancer, now is the perfect time to schedule a colonoscopy. To get started, call the nearest office or book an appointment online with Robert G. Yavrouian, MD. A colonoscopy can assess your risk, provide peace of mind, and detect colon cancer early, when it's most treatable.
