Should I see a GI doctor for a colonoscopy or use an at-home screening kit?

A colonoscopy is a type of procedure that involves the use of a long, flexible tube with a tiny video camera attached to the end. The tube is inserted into the colon through the anus, and it is used to examine the inside of the colon for any abnormalities. Colonoscopies can be performed by a medical professional or gastrointestinal specialist in a procedural center where the patient is put under anesthesia. At-home screening kits must be prescribed to a patient by their doctor, although they’re known for being less adept at detecting cancer and polyps and should not be considered as a substitute for a colonoscopy. 

If you’re due for a colonoscopy, it’s a better idea for you to see a GI specialist called a colorectal surgeon who can perform it in a surgery center. To learn more about a few other reasons why it’s a better option than using an at-home screening kit, keep reading below.

Why should you see a colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy?

  • Removal of any suspicious polyps — A colorectal surgeon can spot polyps that may have formed inside your colon, and they can remove them during the same procedure. Colonoscopies are great for the immediate removal of any suspicious or cancerous polyps that may be causing problems in your colon.
  • More accurate detection of cancer — While at-home screening kits may be more convenient, they’re less accurate at detecting precancerous polyps and may potentially even present false-positive results. Seeing a colorectal surgeon who can perform your colonoscopy in a surgical center is more likely to yield accurate results on the condition of your colon.

Don’t hesitate to contact Digestive Health Institute with further questions about seeing a GI doctor for a colonoscopy

Still wondering what other things might be reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist such as a colorectal surgeon? If you are not sure why you might need one, you are looking for more information on colonoscopies, or you have other digestive health questions, please don’t wait to reach out to one of our team members for help. Our team of GI specialists has the training and experience to answer your burning questions. They can also help you find the most effective treatments for your conditions and for other common GI issues.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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