Nurse cleaning tool for colonoscopy, screening to investigate symptoms in Beverly Hills

Colonoscopy in Los Angeles

Revealing Causes of Colorectal Distress

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the inside of the colon (large intestine) and is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a colonoscope, Dr. Basseri can closely examine the colon’s lining for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or polyps (precancerous growths). A colonoscopy isn’t just diagnostic; it’s also therapeutic. If polyps or abnormal tissue are found, they can often be removed during the procedure, preventing them from developing into cancer.
At Elite Digestive Health, we specialize in providing a painless colonoscopy experience using advanced sedation techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. Dr. Benjamin Basseri is recognized as one of the best colonoscopy doctors in Los Angeles, offering compassionate, accurate diagnoses to patients throughout the region.
Doctor in Los Angeles doing preventative screening, examining blood in stool for cancer signs.

When You Should Consider a Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are recommended for both preventative screening and the diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms. You should consider scheduling a colonoscopy if:

  • You are 45 or older (the current recommended age for average-risk individuals)
  • You have a family history of colorectal cancer
  • You are experiencing symptoms such as:
  • Blood in the stool
  • Changes in bowel habits (chronic diarrhea or constipation)
  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Narrow stools or rectal bleeding
  • Persistent bloating or gas
  • Unintentional weight loss or fatigue

Even in the absence of symptoms, colonoscopies remain critical for cancer prevention. As one of the best GI doctors for colonoscopy in Los Angeles, Dr. Basseri provides individualized screening plans based on each patient’s history and risk profile.

What Can a Colonoscopy Help Diagnose?

A colonoscopy is one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine for diagnosing conditions affecting the colon and rectum. It allows your gastroenterologist to directly visualize the intestinal lining and identify abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected.

By identifying the root cause of these symptoms, a colonoscopy allows for early intervention, more effective treatment, and peace of mind.

Our advanced colonoscopy services can help diagnose:
Colonoscopy
Early detection is key. Colonoscopies allow us to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Unexplained Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Blood in the stool, whether visible or microscopic, can often be traced to ulcers, polyps, diverticulosis, or tumors.
Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation
Persistent changes in bowel habits may indicate inflammatory conditions, infections, or structural issues.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and ulceration that are visible during a colonoscopy.
Anemia of Unknown Origin
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia may result from slow blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract, often detectable during a colonoscopy.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating
A colonoscopy can help uncover the underlying cause of persistent abdominal discomfort, especially when paired with other tests. Dr. Basseri is also recognized as one of the best abdominal pain doctors in Los Angeles for his comprehensive, diagnosis-first approach.


What to Expect During a Colonoscopy

At Elite Digestive Health, we’re committed to delivering a smooth, stress-free experience to help you prepare for a colonoscopy. Here’s what you can expect:
1

Before a Colonoscopy

  • You’ll receive detailed prep instructions to fully cleanse the colon for clear visibility.
  • Dr. Basseri will review your medications and health history, including any allergies or blood thinners.
  • A driver must accompany you, as you’ll be sedated and unable to operate a vehicle afterward.
2

During a Colonoscopy

  • You’ll be comfortably sedated throughout the procedure.
  • The colonoscope is gently guided through the rectum and colon while Dr. Basseri examines the intestinal lining.
  • If polyps or suspicious areas are found, they may be removed or biopsied on the spot.
3

After a Colonoscopy

  • Recovery takes about 30 to 60 minutes, though you’ll be monitored on-site until the sedation wears off.
  • You may feel some temporary bloating due to air introduced during the exam.
  • Dr. Basseri will follow up with your results and discuss next steps or lifestyle recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Colonoscopy

Is a colonoscopy painful?
How long does the procedure take?
How often should I get a colonoscopy?
Can polyps really turn into cancer?
Is the preparation difficult?
Is a colonoscopy safe?

Where to Get the Best Colonoscopy in Los Angeles

When your health is on the line, experience matters. Our patients receive colonoscopies in a refined, patient-first environment led by one of Los Angeles’s best GI doctors, Dr. Benjamin Basseri.
A Santa Monica native, Dr. Basseri graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Neuroscience, earned his medical degree from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, and completed his Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship at the renowned UCLA Medical Center. He also trained at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the best colonoscopy doctors in Los Angeles, known for his diagnostic precision, clinical integrity, and warm demeanor.
Our convenient Beverly Hills facility was designed with patient comfort in mind.
We offer:
  • State-of-the-art imaging and endoscopy equipment
  • Gentle, sedation-assisted procedures for a truly painless colonoscopy experience
  • Private, calming exam and recovery rooms
  • A compassionate, highly trained care team that puts your needs first
Whether you're coming in for routine screening, diagnostic evaluation, or polyp removal, our team ensures your experience is smooth, respectful, and focused on long-term prevention and peace of mind.
Ready to book your appointment?