Colonoscopy
The American Cancer Society recommends those 45 or older should begin screening.
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and it's on the rise. A colonoscopy is one of several routine screening tests used to find:
- Precancerous polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
- Colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
It may also be recommended for patients who have had previous polyps or who are experiencing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or bleeding.
Surgeons and gastroenterlogists are both trained to perform colonoscopies.
Schedule a colonoscopy
Schedule your colonoscopy today. Call our experienced gastroenterologists at 304.691.8681 or talented surgeons at 304.691.1200.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to see the lining of the rectum and entire colon by gently inserting a soft flexible, long, narrow tube into the anus and advanced into the rectum and colon. A colonoscopy can show inflammation, ulcers, polyps, tumors and bleeding.
Preparing for a colonoscopy
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. It is very important that you follow the instructions. If the colon and rectum are not completely empty of stool, the procedure may have to be cancelled and rescheduled.
Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you are taking. Your doctor may need to adjust your usual dosage prior to the procedure.
You will be sedated for this procedure. Please make arrangements for someone to be at the hospital with you and to drive you home.
What to expect during the procedure
A colonoscopy is usually well-tolerated; however, you might experience some pressure, bloating or cramping at various times during the procedure. You will be placed on your side while the colonoscope is guided through your rectum to your large intestine to examine the lining. In order to examine the lining of the colon thoroughly, your doctor will slowly insert and withdraw the instrument. The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
After a colonoscopy
Your doctor will explain the results to you after the procedure. You may experience some mild cramping or bloating due to the air that was placed in the colon during your procedure. This should disappear when you pass gas.
You will be able to resume normal activities and eat a regular diet following the procedure, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after your procedure due to the sedatives you were given.
Although complications after a colonoscopy are rare, it is important to notify your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills or rectal bleeding of more than one-half cup. Bleeding can occur up to several days after the procedu
Haitam Buaisha, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Wesam M. Frandah, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Gastroenterology
- GI Polyp & Tumor Removal
- Hepatitis C
- Interventional Endoscopy
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Tejas Joshi, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatology
- Liver Disease
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Maen Waddah Hatem Kamal, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Colonoscopy
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Mujtaba Mohamed, MD
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Pramod Pantangi, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Hepatitis C
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Point Pleasant 304.675.4500
Rahoma Saad, MD, MSc
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Colonoscopy
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Liver Disease
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Ahmed M. Sherif, MD, AGAF, FASGE
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
- Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley 304.691.6910
Marc A. Subik, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Abdominal Care
- Digestive Health
- Gastroenterology
- GERD
- Hepatitis C
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
Umapathy Sundaram, MD, AGAF
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology 304.691.1000
David A. Denning, MD, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- CHH Center for Wound Healing 304.399.3510
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Curtis W. Harrison Jr., MD, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- CHH Center for Wound Healing 304.399.3510
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Matthew E. Krantz, MD, RPVI
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Semeret T. Munie, MD, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- CHH Center for Surgical Weight Control 304.399.4121
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
D. Blaine Nease, MD, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- CHH Center for Surgical Weight Control 304.399.4121
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Juan Sanabria, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center 304.399.6500
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Errington C. Thompson, MD, FACS, FCCM
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Stephen L. Wilson, MD, FACS
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- CHH Center for Wound Healing 304.399.3510
- Marshall Surgery - Huntington 304.691.1200
Marshall Gastroenterology & Hepatology
A provider-based department of Cabell Huntington HospitalRobert and Lena Shell Medical Pavilion1340 Hal Greer Blvd.
Building 2, Second Floor (Suite #2000)
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.691.1000
Marshall Health - Teays Valley
300 Corporate Center Drive
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304.691.6800
Marshall Internal Medicine - Point Pleasant
Rivers Health
2520 Valley Drive
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Phone: 304.675.4500
Marshall Internal Medicine - Teays Valley
An outpatient department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
Marshall Health-Teays Valley
300 Corporate Center Drive
2nd Floor
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304.691.6910
Marshall Surgery - Huntington
A provider-based department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
Marshall University Medical Center
1600 Medical Center Drive
Suite 2500 (2nd Floor)
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.691.1200
Marshall Surgery - Logan
Logan Regional Medical Center
77 Hospital Drive
Logan, WV 25601
Phone: 304.792.1847