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Hearing you need an endoscopy or colonoscopy, your first instinct might be to put it off. That is completely understandable. These procedures are surrounded by many myths and misconceptions. But fear of the unknown is almost always scarier than reality. The truth is that millions of Americans undergo these gastrointestinal procedures every year, and most report that the experience was far easier than they expected. Additionally, these procedures save millions of people by detecting early signs of colon cancer or stomach cancer. In fact, a colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools available for detecting colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Continue reading for clear answers on what actually happens during these procedures and where to find the best GI doctor in Los Angeles to perform them.
Endoscopy vs.Colonoscopy: Understanding Each Procedure
These two procedures are related because they both look at parts of the digestive system, but not the same.
- An endoscopy, specifically an upper endoscopy, examines the upper part of your digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
- A colonoscopy looks at the lower digestive tract. This includes the large intestine, also known as the colon, and rectum.
Both procedures use a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached. The best GI doctor in Los Angeles guides this tube through your body to get a clear picture of what is happening inside, including identifying problems like inflammation, polyps, ulcers, or signs of disease before symptoms become serious.
How to Prepare for Each Procedure
Preparation looks a little different depending on which procedure you are having:
- For preparation for an upper endoscopy, you’ll need to stop eating solid food for at least four to eight hours before the procedure. Your doctor may also ask you to avoid certain medications.
- Colonoscopy prep requires a bit more work. Because the colon needs to be completely empty for your doctor to see clearly, you will go through a bowel prep process the day before. This involves drinking a laxative solution and following a clear liquid diet. A thorough bowel prep is one of the most important factors in obtaining accurate results from a colonoscopy. Most people find this part of the process more uncomfortable than the procedure itself, but it is manageable and temporary.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy
On the day of your procedure, you will be taken to a procedure room and made comfortable. One of the biggest questions people ask is about sedation. Most patients receive a moderate level of sedation known as conscious sedation, which means you will be relaxed and drowsy. In fact, most people do not remember the procedure at all. Some facilities also offer deeper sedation options, and your care team will discuss what is right for you beforehand.
During a colonoscopy, you will lie on your side while the doctor gently guides the scope through your colon. During an upper endoscopy, the scope is passed through your mouth and into your stomach. The procedures themselves typically take between 15 and 30 minutes.
Is an Endoscopy or Colonoscopy Painful?
For the vast majority of patients, the answer is no. Because of sedation, most people feel little to nothing during the procedure. You may experience some bloating or mild cramping afterward from the air used to inflate the colon during a colonoscopy, but this passes quickly.
Serious complications from these procedures are rare, and minor side effects include a sore throat after an upper endoscopy or temporary bloating after a colonoscopy. When you weigh a few hours of mild discomfort against the information these procedures provide about your health, most patients feel the trade-off is entirely worth it.
Recovery After an Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
Recovery after a colonoscopy and after an endoscopy is relatively quick. Because of the sedation, you will need someone to drive you home, and most people rest for the remainder of that day. By the following morning, most patients return to their normal routine. If any polyps were removed during the colonoscopy, they will be sent for analysis, and results typically come back within a few days.
Understanding the Risks and Knowing When to Get a Colonoscopy
The risks of endoscopy and colonoscopy are considered low. According to the ASGE, serious complications occur in fewer than one in 1,000 cases. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk begin regular colonoscopy screenings at age 45. Symptoms that warrant a conversation with the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Unintended weight loss
- A feeling that the bowel does not fully empty
Where to Find the Best Colonoscopy Doctor in Los Angeles
At Elite Digestive Health, we understand that booking a procedure like this can take courage. We have walked alongside countless patients who came in nervous and left relieved, not only because the experience was easier than expected, but because they finally had answers. Protecting your digestive health is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make for your long-term well-being, which is why Dr. Basseri is committed to providing a comfortable, patient-first experience.
As the best GI doctor for a colonoscopy in Los Angeles, Dr. Basseri has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications within gastroenterology, including IBS, GERD, hepatitis C, colorectal cancer screening, Crohn’s disease, obesity, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, short bowel syndrome, dysphagia, high-resolution manometry, hiatal hernia, and eosinophilic and lymphocytic esophagitis. With our state-of-the-art clinic in Beverly Hills, we’re proud to serve patients across Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, and West LA.
Ready to schedule your colonoscopy or endoscopy with the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles?
