Colonoscopy Procedure Specialist in Cary, NC

At Generations Family Practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, focusing on preventive medicine and early detection to support your family’s long-term health. One important preventive measure we offer is colonoscopy screenings.

A colonoscopy is a routine, safe procedure that allows our experienced physicians to carefully examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) and rectum. Regular colonoscopies are crucial for screening and early detection of colorectal cancer, identifying and removing polyps before they become problematic, investigating gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or persistent changes in bowel habits, and diagnosing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

During your colonoscopy at Generations Family Practice, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. You will lie comfortably on your side, and our care team will provide sedation or anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort and help you relax throughout the procedure. Our skilled physician will gently insert a thin, flexible tube known as a colonoscope through the rectum into the colon. Equipped with a tiny camera and light, the colonoscope transmits clear images of the colon lining onto a monitor for careful examination.

If we identify polyps or abnormal tissue, we can often remove them immediately during the procedure and perform biopsies (tissue samples) for further analysis. Typically, the entire colonoscopy process lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

To ensure a successful colonoscopy, we will provide you with clear, personalized instructions beforehand, including dietary guidelines and bowel preparation steps to cleanse your colon thoroughly. After your procedure, you’ll rest briefly in our comfortable recovery area, where our team will monitor you as the sedation wears off. Because sedation medications can temporarily affect coordination and judgment, we encourage you to have a family member or friend accompany you home.

At Generations Family Practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals and families at every stage of life. Colonoscopy screening is an essential part of our preventive care approach, designed to help you and your loved ones maintain optimal colorectal health and overall wellness.

Our physicians frequently recommend colonoscopy as a vital preventive measure and diagnostic tool. This procedure allows our healthcare providers to closely examine the lining of your colon and rectum, identifying abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, ulcers, or early signs of colorectal cancer. Detecting polyps early—before they have a chance to become cancerous—significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Our team follows evidence-based guidelines that recommend colonoscopy screening as a routine procedure starting at age 45. However, younger patients with specific risk factors—including a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or other conditions associated with increased risk—may also benefit from earlier screening. Regular colonoscopy screenings can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality associated with colorectal cancer by enabling early detection and prompt intervention.

In addition to screening, colonoscopy is valuable in investigating and diagnosing chronic conditions such as persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits.

A colonoscopy is a routine medical examination that allows our skilled doctors to carefully examine the inner lining of your colon (large intestine) and rectum. Regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended for adults, typically starting around age 45, depending on your family history and personal health risk factors. We emphasize the importance of proactive screenings because early detection saves lives.

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Before your procedure, our healthcare team will walk you through detailed instructions on how to effectively cleanse your colon. This preparation usually involves following a special diet and using prescribed laxatives to thoroughly clear your bowel. Achieving a clean colon is essential for accurate visualization and diagnosis, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Your comfort and safety are our highest priorities at Generations Family Practice. During the colonoscopy, you will lie comfortably on your side on an examination table. To ensure you remain relaxed and pain-free, sedation or anesthesia will be administered by our experienced staff.

Once sedation has taken effect, your doctor will gently insert a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope through the rectum and guide it slowly through your colon. Equipped with a small camera at its tip, the colonoscope transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to carefully evaluate your colon’s lining for any signs of abnormalities, such as polyps, inflammation, ulcers, or bleeding.

If necessary, your doctor may perform additional procedures during your colonoscopy, including removing polyps or taking small tissue samples (biopsies) for further examination. Removing polyps is a crucial preventive measure, as some polyps can potentially develop into colon cancer if left untreated.

Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up

The entire procedure typically lasts from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the individual findings. Afterward, you\’ll spend a brief recovery period in our comfortable recovery area as the sedation wears off. Because of sedation, please arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after your appointment. Most patients can resume normal activities by the following day.

Our doctors will take the time to discuss your colonoscopy results with you, answer any questions you may have, and provide clear recommendations for any necessary follow-up care.

Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities during every procedure, including colonoscopies. A colonoscopy itself typically isn’t painful, as sedation or anesthesia is carefully administered by our experienced medical team to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on your medical history, personal preferences, and recommendations from your Generations Family Practice provider, you may receive mild sedation, moderate sedation, or general anesthesia.

During the colonoscopy, your physician will gently insert a flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum to thoroughly examine your colon ‘s health. You might experience mild sensations, such as slight pressure, bloating, or cramping, as air or carbon dioxide is gently introduced to expand the colon and provide clearer visualization. These sensations are usually temporary and subside quickly after the procedure.

Following your colonoscopy at Generations Family Practice, some mild bloating or gas discomfort may occur, but these symptoms typically resolve rapidly. If you have any concerns regarding potential discomfort or pain, our compassionate healthcare providers are always available to discuss sedation options and personalized pain management strategies. Your team is dedicated to ensuring your colonoscopy experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible by our services.

At Generations Family Practice, we’re committed to your health and well-being, ensuring that every step of your colonoscopy procedure is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Trust Dr. Alex Tse and our dedicated team to provide you with the highest standard of care. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1021 Darrington Drive, Suite 101 Cary, NC 27513. We serve patients from Cary NC, Morrisville NC, Apex NC, Southwest Raleigh NC, Olde Raleigh NC, and surrounding areas.