Colonoscopy
Colorectal Surgery located in San Antonio, TX
At Lone Star Colon & Rectal Surgery and Clinical Services of San Antonio, Tamara J. Merchant-McCambry, MD, performs comprehensive colonoscopies to diagnose a variety of conditions affecting your lower digestive tract. At their office in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Merchant-McCambry can use cutting-edge technologies to accurately diagnose Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions. She also uses colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer. To learn more about the benefits of a colonoscopy, call the office or request an appointment online today.
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic and treatment technology that is used to identify abnormalities in the lower digestive tract, including your large intestine (colon) and your rectum.
Lone Star Colon & Rectal Surgery and Clinical Services of San Antonio performs in-office colonoscopies in a state-of-the-art facility using the most advanced technologies.
One of the most common reasons you may need a colonoscopy is to identify the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as bleeding, pain, and chronic constipation or diarrhea relating to disorders of your lower digestive tract, such as:
In addition to uncovering the cause of existing symptoms, a colonoscopy can be used for preventive screenings for colon and rectal cancer.
If you have existing noncancerous polyps or are in the early stages of colon cancer, Dr. Merchant-McCambry can remove polyps or samples of suspicious tissue during a colonoscopy.
During your colonoscopy, you can expect to lie comfortably on an exam table. Dr. Merchant-McCambry can give you a sedative to help keep you relaxed and pain-free.
Dr. Merchant-McCambry inserts a flexible, slender tube fitted with a camera and light into your anus. The tube travels to your rectum and into your colon. During the procedure, the camera sends real-time images of these structures to an external monitor Dr. Merchant-McCambry watches. She also may deliver air through the tube to inflate your colon and get a better view.
If you have existing polyps or Dr. Merchant-McCambry finds suspicious cells, she can insert specialized tools through the tube to remove the polyp or cell sample. To determine if the tissues are cancerous, Dr. Merchant-McCambry sends them to a medical lab for evaluation.
Following your colonoscopy, you can expect to spend some time in recovery before going home to rest. It’s normal to feel bloated or experience abdominal cramping that resolves without additional treatment. Dr. Merchant-McCambry can discuss any results with you before you leave and tell you when to expect additional results if she sends samples to a lab.
Dr. Merchant-McCambry also provides comprehensive after-care instructions and discusses when you can return to work and your usual activities.
To schedule a diagnostic or preventive colonoscopy, call Lone Star Colon & Rectal Surgery and Clinical Services of San Antonio or request an appointment online today.