A board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon is a physician who provides numerous assessments and treatments for the digestive tract. One of the most well-known and beneficial procedures is the colonoscopy.
Let’s explore what a colonoscopy is, what a colonoscopy doctor does and how you may benefit from seeing one in Sarasota, Florida.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient gastrointestinal procedure used to inspect the interior lining of the rectum and large intestine or bowel. During this 30- to 40-minute medical test, the patient is sedated and monitored while lying on the left side.
The gastrointestinal specialist introduces a thin tube into the anus and up the rectum. The tube contains a lighted endoscope which is equipped with a video camera. As the doctor advances the scope through the entire length of the large intestine, the endoscope captures real-time video and still images.
The surgeon carefully looks for polyps, or adenomas, the benign precursors of colon cancer. He removes them for biopsy and also inspects the colon for other abnormalities, such as areas of bleeding, pouches called diverticulum, and more.
After the colonoscopy, the patient rests and fully awakens in a recovery area. The gastroenterologist explains the results to the patient. Then, a responsible adult drives the patient home to rest for the balance of the day.
Who Can Benefit from Seeing a Colonoscopy Doctor?
A colonoscopy doctor is a gastroenterologist specializing in diseases and conditions of the entire digestive tract. They have advanced education, training and experience in diagnostic assessments, such as colonoscopy, barium enemas, sigmoidoscopy, and many others.
A primary care physician may refer you to a colonoscopy doctor for many reasons, which include the following:
You are 45 Years Old or Older
Medical experts at the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend colonoscopy examination starting at age 45 and continuing until 75 for people of average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Other stool-based screening tests are also useful for this patient population, but colonoscopy is considered more accurate in detecting cancer.
Cancer screening with a board-certified colonoscopy doctor should continue at recommended intervals until age 75. After that, overall physical condition, health history and personal preference factor into receiving this GI test. After 85, no one needs to receive routine colonoscopies.
You Have Concerning Lower GI Symptoms
These may include:
- Persistent pain
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Persistent nausea, bloating, vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes)
These may be symptoms of cancer or of other conditions such as:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulosis
- Intestinal blockages
So, your gastrointestinal specialist will use the results of a colonoscopy and other tests to diagnose your condition and plan treatment.
Your Colonoscopy Doctor in Sarasota, Florida
At Intercoastal Medical Group, our top-notch gastroenterologist is Dr. Richard Golub. He is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He is the physician to see for accurate colonoscopy examination and other digestive system assessments and treatments.
To learn more about this procedure and discuss if your symptoms (or age) require a colonoscopy, call for a consultation with Dr. Golub or fill out our online appointment request form.
