Colonoscopy allows the doctor to exam the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities. The doctor will insert a flexible tube (colonoscope) as thick as your finger into the anus and pass it through your colon. The lining of the bowel is checked to see if there are any problems such as inflammation or polyps (growths). Sometimes it is helpful to take a biopsy - a sample of the lining of the bowel. This is done by passing a small instrument through the colonoscope to remove a tiny bit of the lining. The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Using the same technique, the doctor can also remove polyps. This is painless.
Please be advised that this location is a provider-based clinic and both a physician and facility fee will be assessed, which may result in a higher out-of-pocket expense.
Center for Women's Gastrointestinal Health
100 Dudley Street
3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02905
P: (401) 453-7953
F: (401) 453-7790
No Show Policy
We have a policy for missed appointments at all Women & Infants' physician practices. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice.
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. You have the power to save your own life. Don't delay.
Colonoscopies can reduce the chance of getting colon cancer. Colon cancer happens when colon polyps grow in the colon (like warts), and their cells change and become cancerous. Colon polyps can be removed during colonoscopy, preventing colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology recommend that all adults have this screening test beginning at age 45. Your doctor may recommend that you have this test sooner if you are African American, have someone in your family with colon cancer, or are having symptoms.
The biggest complaint about a colonoscopy is the preparation. Bowel prep is done to prepare the bowel for a procedure. Its purpose is to clear out the bowel of all solid matter. Colonoscopy is not usually painful. You might feel pressure, bloating or cramping. During the test some air is passed through the endoscope and into the colon. This is to make the colon bigger and give the doctor a clearer view. Moderate sedation is given through a vein to make you relaxed, drowsy and comfortable. It won’t put you to sleep. The procedure itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, although you should plan on two to three hours for waiting, preparation and recovery.
In the procedure room, you will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees slightly bent. A nurse will be with you throughout the entire procedure. The physician will give you the medication through the intravenous line. You will be given oxygen through a nasal cannula, and a device will be placed on your finger to monitor oxygen levels. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart. Once the procedure has started there may be periods of discomfort as the tube (scope) goes around bends in the bowel. Usually these will ease once the bend has passed. If you are finding the procedure more uncomfortable than you would like, please let the nurse know, and you will be given additional sedative or analgesia. In order to make the procedure easier you may be asked to change position (for example on your back). When the procedure is finished, the scope is gently removed.
After the colonoscopy is completed, you will be monitored in the recovery room. When you are alert and awake, you will be given a drink, and then can get dressed. You can then go home. This may be up to an hour following the procedure. Your physician will explain the results of the examination to you. You may have had a polyp removed during your test or have had biopsies taken. You will receive your results during a follow-up visit in the next several weeks. You may have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the procedure. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas.
Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community. That's why talking to your doctor about your personal risk factors for colorectal cancer is important.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on colorectal cancer screenings nationwide, as well as in Rhode Island, making delayed diagnoses of colorectal cancer substantial.
The question, "why should I get a colonoscopy" is a question I am frequently asked as a colon and rectal surgeon, says Melissa M. Murphy, MD, Executive Chief of Surgery, Care New England Health System...
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