Colonoscopy
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Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists
Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colon and Rectal Surgeon & A Private Medical Practice located in the Denver Metropolitan Area, CO
To reduce your risk for colon and rectal cancer, board-certified proctologist Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS, at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in the Denver metropolitan area, Colorado, offers one of the best comprehensive colonoscopy services. Dr. Perryman uses the latest colonoscopy technology to diagnose symptoms, like rectal bleeding, and to screen for early signs of cancer. If you’re over 45 and haven’t had a colonoscopy, schedule a preventative cancer screening appointment by calling Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists or requesting a consultation through the online booking feature.
Colonoscopy Q & A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that can identify changes in the inner lining of the colon. These changes can confirm an underlying condition causing rectal bleeding, pain or other symptoms.
Dr. Perryman also uses a colonoscopy as a routine screening tool for colon and rectal cancer. She has a high detection rate for adenomas, which are polyps that develop in the thin layer of tissue inside the colon.
The polyps can become malignant, or cancerous, especially if you’re over 50 or have a personal or family history of cancer.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer by allowing Dr. Perryman to remove potentially cancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
You may need a colonoscopy if you have unexplained symptoms that need a diagnosis, such as:
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits
The biggest benefit of a colonoscopy in cancer screenings is that Dr. Perryman can often identify precancerous conditions in the earliest stages when treatment is most effective and curable.
Once you reach 50, you need routine colonoscopies every 10 years to monitor the health of your colon, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.
Dr. Perryman may recommend more frequent colonoscopies depending on personal or family history of polyps and colon cancer.
What can I expect during a colonoscopy?
Before your colonoscopy, Dr. Perryman provides guidance on dietary changes and the use of laxatives. She may recommend laxatives such as MiraLAX, PLENVU®, GoLYTELY, and CLENPIQ™ to cleanse your bowel in the days leading up to your test. On the day of your appointment, you need someone to drive you to the designated facility.
To keep you comfortable and relaxed, you receive intravenous (IV) sedation. Dr. Perryman then inserts a thin, flexible tube into your rectum. The tube has an attached camera that sends real-time images of the inner structures of your body to a monitor.
Dr. Perryman watches the monitor as the colonoscope travels through the rectum and into the colon to identify polyps or other abnormalities that may indicate cancer.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy typically takes 30 minutes. Dr. Perryman reviews your results with you, and if she finds abnormalities during the procedure explains why additional diagnostic testing or treatment may be appropriate. She also sends a report to your primary care physician.
If you need follow-up care for an underlying disease or suspected colon or rectal cancer, Dr. Perryman works closely with you on a plan to treat your condition and ease your symptoms.
She customizes your treatment to your specific needs and focuses on protecting your long-term colon and rectal health.
To learn more about the benefits of a colonoscopy, contact Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists by phone or use the online booking feature.
