Is it time for your colonoscopy? We offer patients the colonoscopy procedure at various ambulatory surgical centers. There are many situations or symptoms that require a colonoscopy. Often times a colonoscopy is a routine screening test to ensure overall healthfulness. However, if there is concern about ulcers, colon polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or tumors, you may need a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is an exam of the inner lining of the large intestine, rectum, and colon. During the test, a flexible tube, called a colonoscope, looks at the colon. At this time, tissue samples are often collected, biopsied, and any abnormal growths can be removed.

Before undergoing a colonoscopy, you will need to clean out your colon. This is often referred to as a colon prep. This can take 1-2 days, depending on the type of prep recommended for you, by your gastroenterologist, Dr. David Yamini. This bowel prep, may be your least favorite part of the colonoscopy. However, our Santa Monica Colonoscopy office and our Beverly Hills Colonoscopy office are both available to answer any questions and make your colonoscopy as easy as possible. It’s important to plan on being home during prep time before your colonoscopy because you will want to be close to your own bathroom.

During the colon prep, you may be hungry. However, you must be on a clear liquid diet. The colon prep for your Santa Monica colonoscopy or your Beverly Hills colonoscopy causes frequent loose diarrhea, to ensure your bowels are empty for the procedure. Dr. Yamini, and our office, will provide you with the exact steps for you and your colonoscopy.

After the Colonoscopy

Dr. David Yamini is a colon cancer specialist and always treats his patients with gentle and compassionate care, taking his time during all procedures. He wants to ensure that you feel good after your colonoscopy procedure and most of our patients feel fine quickly after their colonoscopy. You may feel a bit woozy from anesthetics, but our staff is here to watch you and make sure you feel good. You may notice increased gas, because air is pumped into the bowel during the colonoscopy procedure. This may cause temporary stomach cramps.

If you’re planning on having a colonoscopy in Santa Monica or a colonoscopy in Beverly Hills, we recommend taking the day off of work. Due to the medication used to help you sleep during the procedure, you may be too groggy to work. We also recommend having someone drive you home after your colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Results

During a colonoscopy, Dr. Yamini will be looking for anything that could be causing you pain, or cancer. If he finds any small polyps, they will be removed during the procedure. Polyps, over time, can cause cancer. If Dr. Yamini finds anything concerning, such as a tumor, or large polyp he will conduct a biopsy, sending it to a lab where it’s checked for pre-cancer or cancer cells.

Do You Really Need a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies save lives and regular colorectal cancer testing, or colonoscopies, are the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. Dr. Yamini is a colonoscopy expert and wants to ensure that we prevent colorectal cancer before it starts. Through colonoscopies, cancer can be found in early stages, before it can spread and while it is very treatable.

Regular colonoscopies, or screening tests, is the best way to diagnose rectal cancer or colon cancer. If you have questions about having a colonoscopy or would like to see Dr. Yamini, of Westside Gastro Care, call our office today for an appointment (310) 285-3005 or contact us here with your preferred appointment time and date and our staff will call to confirm. Please let us know if you are looking to visit our Santa Monica or our Beverly Hills office for your colonoscopy.