Colonoscopy & Upper Endoscopy
Colon cancer is one of the most preventive cancers of today, yet it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Many people avoid preventive screenings due to perceived discomfort and embarrassment. Advanced symptoms, however, make treatment options more difficult or nearly impossible. Regular screenings save lives.
The most commonly performed GI procedure, a colonoscopy is used to help detect colon cancer and other diseases. RMG offers a minimally invasive, nearly pain-free approach in performing colonoscopies. During the procedure, a flexible video endoscope is advanced through the colon to find and remove precancerous polyps (this procedure is also known as Flexible Sigmoidoscopy). Systematic removal of polyps can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by 90%.
Patients are administered a sedative during the procedure and monitored closely throughout by one of our highly trained, certified nurse anesthetists. The sedative we use in our procedures, Propofol, results in our patients experiencing a much faster recovery time without the grogginess common to other sedatives and provides our Gastroenterologists with better polyp detection rates.
An endoscopy (EGD) is performed to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine, called the duodenum. The procedure involves using a long, flexible, fiber-optic tube called an upper endoscope.
The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) recommends endoscopies be performed by physicians who have completed formal training in endoscopy and who have completed a residency or fellowship in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, general surgery or pediatric surgery. All of our physicians are board-certified or board-eligible Gastroenterologists.
Who Should Get Screened?
- Everyone age 45 years or older
- Anyone age 40 years or older with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or 10 years prior to the age of the youngest first degree relative at diagnosis
- Anyone with a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, a history of IBS, or other GI complaints