Colonoscopy FAQs

When it is time to get a colonoscopy in Chicago, IL, Summit Digestive and Liver Disease Specialists has five locations to make it easy for you to make an appointment with any of the gastroenterologists on our team. With offices in Oakbrook Terrace, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Ravenswood, and Humboldt Park, one is sure to be convenient for you.

Why Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

You may get a colonoscopy on the recommendation of your doctor to determine what exactly is going on in your colon. It can be used to identify pain in your lower abdomen, bloody stools, or chronic diarrhea. It is also the most important tool in the fight against colon cancer. 

When Should I Have My First Cancer Screening Colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society has lowered its recommendation from 50 to 45 years old because of an increase in the number of cases in younger people. If you have any first-degree relatives who have had a precancerous polyp or colon cancer, you should start at 10 years younger than the age when colon cancer was discovered or age 40.  

How Often Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

If nothing out of the ordinary is discovered, and you are at normal risk, you will get a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a risk or something is found, your gastroenterologist will recommend how frequently you should be seen. 

Is the Prep as Bad as People Say?

There are several options for the prep but all of them have the same goal, to make sure your colon is empty, so the desired results can be achieved by the colonoscopy in Chicago, IL. You will have to ingest some sort of preparation to get rid of the feces in your colon. It can be liquid or pills. Talk to your doctor about the options and which one is most appropriate for you. You will also be on a liquid diet the day before the procedure. 

Is a Colonoscopy Painful?

In most cases, you will feel no pain. Almost all colonoscopies use intravenous sedation. You will go to sleep and wake up when it is over. You will probably not remember the procedure at all. Finding that you have gas that was introduced into your colon during the procedure is common.

How Long Should I Allow For My Colonoscopy?

The colonoscopy itself usually takes about 45 minutes.  Allow about 3 hours from the time you arrive to the time you go home. Arrange to have someone else take you home.

Contact Summit Digestive and Liver Disease Specialists in Oakbrook Terrace, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Ravenswood, and Humboldt Park to schedule your colonoscopy in Chicago, IL. You can make an appointment at any of our locations by calling 630-889-9889.