Colonoscopy

A gastroenterologist looking at a screen during colonoscopy procedure.

See the American College of Gastroenterology's response to the recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

A colonoscopy is a nonsurgical outpatient procedure that uses a colonoscope to view the lower GI tract, including the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.

A colonoscope is a long, thin tube equipped with a light and a viewing instrument that sends images to a monitor. A colonoscopy is most frequently used as a screening tool for colon polyps or colon cancer. A gastroenterologist may also perform a colonoscopy to identify digestive or inflammatory disease.

Colonoscopy is helpful in determining the cause of abdominal pain, bleeding, weight loss, or changes in bowel habits. It can also be used to obtain a biopsy of abnormal tissue, treat bleeding, and remove polyps.

Individuals should start receiving screening colonoscopies at age 45 and follow up with their physician for another screening every 10 years. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors, you will need to begin screening sooner and follow up more frequently as advised by your doctor.

Quality Measures for Colonoscopy

One very important quality measure for colonoscopy is called the adenoma detection rate, or ADR. A physician’s ADR rate measures the percentage of findings of precancerous adenomas during a colonoscopy. The national benchmark of ADR for a quality physician is 30% in men and 20% in women.

It is also to be noted:

  • The minimum amount of time a physician is expected to take examining the colon during a colonoscopy is 6 minutes.
  • The national average rate for complications following colonoscopy (including perforations and bleeds) is 1.6%, according to a 2016 study by the Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation.

Austin Gastroenterology Physicians' Quality Measures Exceed National Benchmarks

At Austin Gastroenterology, our physicians' quality benchmarks far exceed the national benchmarks set to measure a high-quality physician. Markers of our expert physicians include:

  • In 2024, Austin Gastroenterology physicians averaged a 61.2% ADR in men and 47.5% in women. These rates are respectively more than double the rates for national standards.
  • Our physicians take, on average, twice as long to inspect the colon thoroughly and remove any precancerous polyps. Taking these extra few minutes directly correlates to higher adenoma detection rates and a decrease in the risk of developing colon cancer.
  • In 2016, Austin Gastro’s total complication rate for colonoscopies was .06%. This is more than 100% fewer complications than the national average of 1.6% for a high-quality physician.

All these metrics indicate that Austin Gastro physicians have a higher chance of finding precancerous polyps and lesions before they have a chance to develop into cancer, and that you have a lower chance of complications following polyp removal.

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

You will need to undergo bowel prep to empty your colon prior to the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions. Your doctor will also let you know if or when you should adjust or stop any medications you take. Because you will be sedated, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Learn more about colonoscopy prep.

What to Expect

You will lie on your left side with your knees bent for the procedure and receive pain-relieving medication and sedation through an IV line to relax you and make you feel drowsy.

Your doctor will insert the scope through your anus into your rectum and colon. Air is pumped through the scope to inflate the colon, so it is easier to see. A small camera mounted on the endoscope transmits live images to a video monitor. You may need to change positions during the procedure, so the scope can be adjusted for better viewing.

Special instruments may be inserted through the scope to obtain tissue samples or remove abnormal growths.

A colonoscopy typically takes 30-60 minutes. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room while the sedative wears off. You may experience temporary discomfort, such as mild cramping, bloating, or nausea. It is common to pass gas during and after a colonoscopy. Your doctor will discuss any unexpected side effects that may occur and a plan to address them.

Your doctor will review the results of your colonoscopy with you after your procedure or during a follow-up appointment. It may take time to receive biopsy results. If polyps or other abnormal tissues are found, the doctor will discuss treatment options with you.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy in Austin, TX

A colonoscopy is a vital tool for detecting and preventing colon issues early, helping to protect your long-term health. At Austin Gastroenterology, our experienced team ensures a comfortable and thorough experience tailored to your needs. Prioritize your health and take a proactive step toward wellness with a colonoscopy today. To schedule an appointment, you can send us a message on Klara or fill out our secure online appointment request form. We proudly serve our community from 18 convenient locations around the greater Austin area.