Colonoscopy in Plano TX


Colonoscopy in Plano TX

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A COLONOSCOPY PROCEDURE

A colonoscopy is a procedure performed by your Plano, TX gastroenterologist to directly visualize the lining of the colon and rectum using a flexible scope with a camera and a light on the end of it.  During the procedure the patient is sedated and is therefore painless.  The procedure takes only 20-30 minutes to perform.

Dr. Eidem’s team of trained nurses and technicians ensure the patients’ privacy is of upmost importance throughout the procedure.  As a gastroenterologist in Plano, TX, Dr. Eidem has a lot of patients that are concerned about their privacy, so he felt it was important to note that most of your body is completely covered during the procedure and the staff is focused on the screen helping the gastroenterologist look for polyps.  

WHY IS COLONOSCOPY PERFORMED?

This cancer screening is the best way to screen for and identify colon cancer, polyps (abnormal growths in the colon which can advance into cancers over time), colonic ulcers, and inflammatory changes within the large intestine.

WHEN SHOULD I GET A COLONOSCOPY IN PLANO TX?

According to the American Society for Gastroenterology Endoscopy, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer might strike without any signs or symptoms. For this reason, Dr. Eidem encourages his patients to have regular examinations, called colorectal screenings, to detect problems early. The best screening evaluation is a colonoscopy. Recommended guidelines for colon cancer screening are as follows:

  • As a screening exam for colon cancer in everyone over the age of 50 (for African Americans over the age of 45)
  • As a screening exam for anyone with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • As a surveillance exam in anyone with a personal history of colon polyps
  • Evaluation for unexplained anemia
  • Evaluation of rectal bleeding (blood in stool)
  • Evaluation of chronic diarrhea
  • Evaluation of an evolving change in bowel habits
  • Evaluation of chronic abdominal pain

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HOW MUCH DOES A COLONOSCOPY COST?

    Like many other medical procedures, the procedure cost is determined based upon your insurance. Unfortunately, due to the numerous insurance plans and variances within those plans, we cannot display a pricing table. Dr. Eidem recommends discussing with your insurance provider or calling his office at 972-867-0019 to find out the costs related to colon cancer screening. We're very proud that our surgery center has the lowest facility fees in the DFW area! Offering expert health care while maintaining competitive pricing for our patients is important to us.

Update: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced in May 2015 that anesthesia will be covered by insurance for your first colonoscopy as part of preventative colon cancer screening if deemed necessary by your doctor. This is significant since it means that this will not be an additional expense to the patient.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR  A COLONOSCOPY?

The large intestine must be emptied of stool in order for the colonic mucosa to be visualized.  To accomplish this, patients need to be on a clear liquid diet for the entire day prior to the procedure and specifically follow a laxative regimen that Dr. Matthew Eidem will prescribe. I've created this video to help explain the importance of doing a good job with the prep and provide a few tips on how to make the colonoscopy prep a little easier.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A COLONOSCOPY?

  • Following the procedure and during recovery from sedation, patients generally feel well but they may feel drowsy and their reflexes can be affected.  For this reason, patients are not permitted to drive home after the procedure and will need someone to drive them
  • Patients will generally leave the facility approximately 30 minutes after their procedure and can eat after the procedure has been completed.  We generally recommend that patients eat a bland and non-greasy meal as they recover from sedation
  • Patients should not plan to go back to work, drive, operate machinery, or sign any important documents for the remainder of the day.