Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colonoscopy is a test that allows doctors to look inside your rectum and colon. And most often, colonoscopies are used to help find — and remove — abnormal growths before they turn into cancer. Because detecting cancer early makes it easier to treat. But doctors perform colonoscopies for other reasons, too.

Colon Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But the good news is that it’s preventable.

You can lower your risk for colon cancer by:

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Getting a colonoscopy yearly beginning when you turn 45
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Stopping tobacco use

Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

Most people need colonoscopies that screen for colon cancer starting at age 45. But your doctor may recommend you start screenings earlier if you have:

• Family history of colorectal cancer or small growths (polyps) in the large intestine.
• Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or any type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

We want your colonoscopy to go as smoothly as possible. So, we’ve outlined what you can expect. Your appointment will take place in our comfortable outpatient surgery department. You should plan to spend about two hours with us at North Kansas City Hospital before you return home.

Plan Ahead

Before your procedure, be sure to contact your health insurance company. Most health insurance plans fully cover screening coloscopies without a cost to you. Our Patient Access staff member will call you to verify your insurance information and discuss any insurance copays, if needed. 

You’ll also want to have someone who can drive you to and from your procedure. Most people receive sedation that makes it unsafe to drive. If you don’t have a driver, we may have to cancel your appointment.

Your care team will also give you instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. Make sure you review them closely. 

Here are some reminders:

• Avoid drinking anything two hours before your procedure. If you do have anything to drink, your procedure may be canceled or postponed.
• Complete and your health history form [PDF] and list of your current medications [PDF], including over-the-counter medications and supplements and bring them with you.
• Drink plenty of fluids the day before your procedure to help cleanse your system and prevent dehydration. (Please just avoid drinking any red liquids.)
• Follow your doctor’s instructions, including directions about taking blood thinners.
• Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.
• Stop taking Metformin on the day of your procedure.

When You Arrive: What to Expect

On the day of your appointment, please park in the Health Services Pavilion parking garage. We also offer free valet service at the first-floor pavilion entrance for your convenience and safety.

You’ll then follow these steps:

1. Enter the building and take the elevators to the seventh-floor pavilion.
2. Check in at the time of your appointment at the gastroenterology lab registration desk.
3. Work with your GI team to review your insurance, complete any forms and discuss your current medications.
4. Go with your team to the admitting area to change into a hospital gown. A nurse will review your information, check your vital signs and start your intravenous (IV) line to give you medications for sedation.
5. Move to the procedure room when your surgeon is ready.

After Your Procedure

After  your procedure, you’ll spend some time in our recovery room where we’ll let you rest until the sedation wears off. Then, your doctor will discuss your results with you. Feel free to ask any questions while you’re talking with the doctor. Once you’re ready, you can go home with your designated driver.

Note: If you have a MyHealth account, you also can view your results online.