Colonoscopy in Illinois

Ready to Consult a GI Physician?

Find a Provider

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic test where a lengthy, slender, flexible pipe or “scope” is positioned into the anus and runs through the length of the colon (large intestine). The scope has a light and a recording device on the end of it, which allows our providers to study the interior of the colon. A colonoscopy may be carried out to identify the cause of intestinal symptoms, such as loose stool, blood in the stool, gut pain, or unusual x-ray findings.

A colonoscopy might also be carried out on a patient with no symptoms at 45 years old or sooner based on the client's history, to screen for colon and rectal cancer and tumors. As leading specialists in intestinal health, the board-certified gastroenterologists at GI Alliance of Illinois frequently do colonoscopy exams. Please request a colonoscopy at your nearest location in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Normal, IL.

Colonoscopy exams are the strongest defense against colon cancer development, which is why it’s particularly important to schedule a colonoscopy as advised by your gastroenterologist. Routine colonoscopy exams can offer a great deal of benefits for your GI health as well as your overall health and wellness. Some of the benefits of colonoscopy exams are:

  • Catch early signs of colorectal cancer
  • Detect and remove suspicious polyps
  • Diagnose IBD, diverticulosis, and other gastrointestinal conditions
  • Serve as the prevailing testing option for colon cancer
  • Can be an exam that saves your life

Thanks to the latest technology, colonoscopies are carried out more comfortably, conveniently, and accurately than in the past.

Prior to your colonoscopy, we'll give you instructions regarding the vital bowel preparation you need to complete before your exam. Most patients consume only clear fluids the entire 24 hours prior to the procedure. There are numerous options for laxatives to fully empty out the colon. It is extremely important to follow the directions provided by your provider. There could also be additional directions respecting your prescriptions — in most situations, your prescriptions will be continued as standard; however, in certain situations, particularly with blood thinners (i.e., warfarin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, specific directions could be provided. You will be instructed not to take anything by mouth following midnight except for prescriptions.

You will be instructed to come to the endoscopy location about an hour prior to your exam. This is to enable time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the exam. You will be instructed to change into a hospital robe. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be inserted into your vein so that medication can be administered. You will be connected to gear that will enable the physician and support team to control your pulse, arterial tension, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout and following the colonoscopy.

Once in the exam room, you will be directed to position yourself on your left side on the gurney. The IV medication will be given. Small quantities are administered to help secure your safety and give only the quantity you require individually. When a satisfactory amount of calm is accomplished, the specialist will perform a rectal checkup. The colonoscope will then be delicately inserted through the anus. The scope will be attentively moved through the colon to where the small bowel and colon join. A little level of air is placed through the scope and inside the colon to enable the specialist to watch the interior of colon. Any water left in the bowel after the preparation can be cleaned and absorbed through the scope.

Based on the findings of the test, a few things can be performed at the time of the procedure, like biopsies, the removal of polyps, and the control of bleeding. At the end of the procedure, as much of the air and leftover liquid as possible is suctioned out of the colon through the scope. Based on the findings, the procedure takes between 15 – 30 minutes.

Once the procedure is done, you will be ushered to the recovery area to be monitored while the sedation starts to dissipate. The measure of sedation used for the duration of the procedure and your special response to the medication will dictate how quickly you will awaken, though most patients are conscious enough for dismissal in around 45 – 60 minutes.

You will not be allowed to operate a vehicle for the rest of the day following your colonoscopy, therefore, you will want to prepare a ride home. You will also be directed not to work, sign legal documents, or do physical activities for the remainder of the day. Many individuals are able to eat and drink as usual after their discharge from the endoscopy office; however, personalized instructions concerning physical activity, eating, and prescriptions will be offered prior to release.

After your procedure, your provider and/or nurse will inspect the findings of the exam with you. Many people will not remember what they are informed after the procedure because of the effects of the medication so it is recommended to bring someone with you to help you remember. You might also go home with a written account of the findings. You will be informed of any biopsy results typically within seven days.

To a degree, the alternatives for this procedure will count on the reason for necessitating the colonoscopy in the first place. In most situations, a colonoscopy is the most ideal process to evaluate and address abnormalities in the colon. Be that as it may, there are various x-rays that can measure the colon, like a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These are, however, solely diagnostic exams. Treatment of irregularities will require a colonoscopy or a surgical procedure.

Commonly, a colonoscopy is a really harmless exam. All in all, complexities happen in fewer than 1% of people. Most problems are not life-threatening. However, if a difficulty happens, it could require hospitalization and surgery. Before the test, a permission document will be reviewed with the individual by the support team. If any doubts or concerns emerge, these can be reviewed with your doctor prior to starting the procedure.

Medicine responses related to the IV medication can arise. These can involve, but are not confined to, allergic responses, difficulty breathing, effects on the heart and blood pressure, and discomfort of the vein employed to give the medication.

Bleeding can arise with biopsies and the withdrawal of tumors. Once more, significant bleeding, which might require a blood donation or hospitalization, is very rare. However, bleeding can arise at the time of the procedure or up to two weeks following the test if a growth is eliminated.

Perforation or puncture of the bowel can transpire. This may be identified during the test, or it might not be noticeable before later in the day. In the majority of circumstances, a puncture will necessitate surgery and a hospital stay. This is an unusual difficulty, even when polyps are withdrawn.

It is extremely important that you call your doctor’s office right away if symptoms emerge after the exam, such as increasing intestinal discomfort, bleeding, or elevate temperature.

Just as with any other procedure, a colonoscopy is not foolproof. There is a tiny, acknowledged risk that deformities, including tumors and cancers, can be overlooked during the exam. It is important to continue to follow up with your doctor at GI Alliance of Illinois as instructed and inform them of any original or persistent symptoms.

Find A Provider Find A Location
By what age should you have your first colonoscopy exam?

It’s suggested that individuals who are at average risk of colon cancer begin getting colonoscopy exams at age 45. If your personal risks for developing colon cancer are more likely or if you are showing signs of colon cancer, your GI specialist could recommend colonoscopies before that age.

How often is it recommended you get a colonoscopy?

GI doctors advise undergoing a colon cancer screening about every decade for patients who are at general risk, who are of good health, and who have charts that reveal no concerns. Following your screening, your provider will inform you how often you should schedule colonoscopy screenings moving forward.

Are colonoscopies painful?

Sedation will be provided before your colonoscopy to maximize your comfort level throughout the exam. Based on the medication, most patients experience an intensely tranquil state and even feel sleepy, and many report little-to-no recollection of the procedure. Feel free to speak with your colonoscopy doctor about what you can anticipate at your consultation visit.

What’s the average recovery period for a colonoscopy?

Typically, patients need somewhere around a full 24 hours to recover from their colonoscopy exam, and many can resume their normal routine the following day. When colorectal polyps are removed, the recovery time may last about a week. It is common to experience a little bit of gastric discomfort after a colon cancer screening, including bloating and cramping. Our GI Alliance of Illinois team will give you more information about what to expect during your recovery.

A colonoscopy is believed to be the “gold standard” of all screening approaches for colorectal cancer. Unlike many screening approaches, a colonoscopy allows for the investigation of the complete colon. In addition to offering the most comprehensive inspection, it also permits the exposure of tumors and their withdrawal in just one procedure. You can request a colonoscopy in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Normal, IL, by contacting your nearest GI Alliance of Illinois location.

This was one unexpected surprise. A doctor that’s on-time, listens, explains and is extremely intelligent and beyond bright. Dr. Liebovich did both my colonoscopy as well as endoscopy and it was a million more times precise then a few years ago with my previous physician. Dr.. Liebovich is confident, talented and reassuring. He explained all my medical concerns & procedures in great detail and he has a natural ability to show genuine compassion and concern. A very very fine physician and tbh, a very nice man. I’m extremely grateful to have met him and even more so to have had him skillfully do my procedures.

M.O. Google

Dr. Stinneford is a wonderful doctor and human being. He’s an amazing listener, which seems increasingly rare these days. He was very competent, professional and kind. His staff was also fantastic. I had to have an endoscopy and a colonoscopy and the entire process went very smoothly. I’ve been to many gastroenterologists over the years, all around the country, and he’s one of the best!

A. Google

People were nice. Everything was on time. Everything was explained to me. Don't know how a colonoscopy could have been better than that.

S.C. Google

It's all about the people. I trust Dr. Godambe. She is very professional but also friendly. The entire medical and clerical staff is the same way. I believe attitude is a reflection of leadership. They were efficient, friendly, and made me forget about the 12 hours of prep prior to my colonoscopy. lol.

J.B. Google

Dr Robinson and his staff was the best experience! From my first consultation to the actual colonoscopy. He provides information in a calm and assured way so you don’t feel afraid or uncertain. His staff at the desk & nurses are absolutely amazing, professional and friendly-even though there are many patients at one time. They treat everyone as a special person. Please don’t stop this needed doctor /patient model. It is appreciated.

L.W. Google

287

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating