Top Colonoscopy Specialist in Orlando, FL

The most common reason a patient would be recommended to receive a colonoscopy is for routine cancer screening, specifically to check for colon cancer and to remove any polyps that have the risk of developing into colon cancer. However, there are a few other reasons why a patient would need a colonoscopy, including if they are exhibiting symptoms of inflammation, ulcerations, bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract, or have had chronic diarrhea with no known cause. A colonoscopy may also be used to see if there are any diverticula (pouches) along the wall of the colon or narrowed areas within the colon. Some symptoms that lead a physician to recommend a patient receive a colonoscopy include a significant change in bowel habits, persistent cramping or gas, very thin, pencil-like stools, feeling as though the bowel is not emptying, or blood in the stool, as these are all symptoms of colon cancer.

You may also be recommended to receive a colonoscopy if you are overdue for one simply as part of important preventative health care, such as for those who are at an increased risk of colon cancer, who have not had one in over 10 years, or who have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Several diseases are present within the colon and can be detected through a colonoscopy, with colon cancer being the most common disease for which a colonoscopy is being used to screen. Colorectal polyps can also be detected through a colonoscopy, which are small bumps that develop within the colon and are usually entirely harmless but can sometimes develop into colon cancer.

Other diseases that can be detected by a colonoscopy include:

– Crohn’s disease
– Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
– Inflammatory bowel disease
– Intestinal ischemia
– Ischemia colitis
– Large bowel obstructions
– Perforations
– Ulcers
– Ulcerative colitis

Medical experts typically recommend that the average person receive their first colonoscopy by the time they are 45 years old, as the risk of developing colon cancer starts to increase with age. If the colonoscopy provides no reason for concern, as in, there are no signs of a risk of cancer or other diseases such as colorectal polyps, then the patient will likely not need to get their next colonoscopy for 10 years. These regular screenings are recommended until the age of 75. It may be recommended that a patient receive their first colonoscopy at a younger age if they have a family history of colon cancer, with the recommended age being either 40 years old or 10 years younger than the age at which the family member was diagnosed with colon cancer. Another reason a patient would be recommended to start receiving regular colonoscopies younger than 45 years old is if they have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (with colonoscopies being performed around 8 to 10 years after the diagnosis) or have a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Patients with HNPCC will likely be recommended to start receiving regular colonoscopies as young as 10 years old.

Once reaching the age of 45, every person should start to get a colonoscopy every 10 years (unless otherwise recommended) from a qualified healthcare provider. Adults living in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, who are looking for a qualified gastroenterologist to assess and manage their gastrointestinal health will find that they are in good hands with Dr. Vinay Katukuri, MD. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Katukuri, MD, is exceptionally trained in a wide range of treatments and procedures as a board-certified gastroenterologist, instilling confidence and comfort in all of his patients. Colonoscopies are just one of the many essential procedures that are performed here at Advanced Gastroenterology.
 
Colonoscopy is available at Advanced Gastroenterology. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 9486 Narcoossee Rd. Orlando, FL 32827. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, St. Cloud FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Celebration FL, Williamsburg FL, Meadow Woods FL, Hunters Creek FL, and surrounding areas.