

Posted By Author on August 25, 2022
A colonoscopy is a powerful prevention tool, but the procedure itself is quite simple. Your Charleston gastroenterology specialist will perform your colonoscopy, checking for signs of cancer as well as other changes in your large intestine and rectum. Read on to learn more about who should schedule a colonoscopy (colorectal screening) – and when!
Charleston GI makes it easy, with three conveniently-located endoscopy centers to best serve you.
A colorectal cancer screening test is performed on patients who are not experiencing any symptoms, used as a method of prevention. Diagnostic tests, on the other hand, are performed on those who have shown symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Your GI specialist will check for precancerous polyps or abnormal growths in your colon or rectum. These polyps may be biopsied to check for cancerous cells to determine if they could potentially turn into colon cancer in the future. Because colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps, colonoscopies can catch a life-threatening disease in its early stages.
So just who should schedule a colonoscopy? Undoubtedly, it is time to schedule your colonoscopy at Charleston GI if you exhibit any of the following risk factors:
Your GI specialist will provide specific instructions, so be sure to follow them carefully. These pre-procedure instructions will likely look like this:
Three days before a colonoscopy:
Two days before:
Continue eating low-fiber foods.
One day before:
Do not eat solid foods and go on a clear liquid diet. Stick to the following:
The night before:
Drink the bowel prep solution as instructed.
Because you may feel groggy after your procedure, remember to arrange a ride home. Your Charleston gastroenterology specialist will provide specific discharge instructions, so be sure to follow them! It may take two or three days to have a bowel movement, but if any discomfort or digestive issues persist, contact your GI specialist.
Charleston GI is proud to provide a higher standard of caring to patients throughout the Lowcountry. We have four conveniently-located offices in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and Carnes Crossroads – plus three endoscopy centers!
There’s no referral needed, so schedule your colonoscopy at Charleston GI today!