Colonoscopy Specialist
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Rivas Digestive Center
John M Rivas, M.D.
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy & Transplant Hepatology located in Hollywood, FL
Doctors perform a colonoscopy to safely examine the inner walls of your rectum and colon. John Rivas, MD, at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, has extensive experience performing diagnostic and screening colonoscopies. Whether you need a colon cancer screening or you have ongoing digestive problems, you receive exceptional care when you schedule your colonoscopy with Dr. Rivas. To learn more about the procedure, call the office or book a consultation online.
Colonoscopy Q&A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Rivas to examine the inside of your rectum and colon. Dr. Rivas performs the exam using a flexible fiber-optic device called a colonoscope. The scope contains lighting and a video camera that sends magnified images to a monitor.
Dr. Rivas inserts the scope through your anus and guides it through the rectum and to the end of the colon, then slowly withdraws it, carefully examining the colon walls during both passes of the scope. He takes care of any problems found during the colonoscopy, such as removing a polyp, using specialized instruments that he inserts alongside the scope.
What are the different types of colonoscopy?
You may have one of two types of colonoscopy:
Diagnostic colonoscopy
A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed when you have symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, and unexplained weight loss. Dr. Rivas uses a colonoscopy to diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and he often finds problems such as infections, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and intestinal obstructions.
Screening colonoscopy
Dr. Rivas performs a screening colonoscopy to find polyps that can become cancerous, removing all polyps and abnormal tissues during the procedure. Though Dr. Rivas may find polyps during a diagnostic colonoscopy, you can schedule a screening colonoscopy without the presence of other symptoms.
Most adults should have their first colon cancer screening at the age of 45. However, you may need a colonoscopy at an earlier age if Dr. Rivas determines you have a high risk of developing colon cancer.
What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
The day before your colonoscopy, you prepare for your procedure by cleansing your colon. Dr. Rivas gives you detailed instructions that include following a liquid diet, taking laxatives, and may include an enema.
Most patients don’t enjoy the cleansing process, but it’s essential. Dr. Rivas can’t advance the colonoscope through your colon or examine the walls if stool is present.
Before your procedure, you receive sedatives or anesthesia so you can relax and stay comfortable. A colonoscopy usually takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of polyps that Dr. Rivas must remove or other problems that require treatment.
After your colonoscopy, you stay in recovery until your anesthesia wears off, and you go home the same day. You may experience cramping or bloating, but you can go back to your normal diet the next day.
If you need to schedule a diagnostic or screening colonoscopy, call Rivas Digestive Center or book an appointment online.
