About Colonoscopy at USA Health
Colonoscopies are used to examine the colon and rectum for growths and other abnormalities. These tests are frequently done to help our doctors evaluate signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, anemia, weight loss or gastrointestinal bleeding. Colonoscopy is also widely recommended as the preferred colon cancer screening test in all adults over the age of 50, as well as in younger patients with a family history of colon cancer or conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Physicians at USA Health have extensive research and clinical experience in these procedures, such as creating national guidelines for their performance and developing many of the preparations used for colonoscopy.
During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a colonoscope to examine your colon. A colonoscope is a long, flexible tube with a camera at the end. It is inserted into the anus and advanced slowly into the colon to allow your doctor to examine the inside of the colon.
