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Colonoscopy
Our Approach to Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy can diagnose diseases of the colon in people with symptoms such as bleeding or diarrhea and can screen for cancers and pre-cancers in people without symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the US. Screening is recommended starting at age 50 - earlier if there are risk factors. A colonoscopy can prevent cancer by removing polyps that could turn into cancer or catch cancer at its most treatable stage.
This procedure involves a flexible tube with a lighted camera called a colonoscope. Stanford endoscopists perform routine as well as complex procedures using specialized tools to access difficult-to-reach areas for people with challenging anatomy. Only a select few medical centers nationwide have these capabilities. We are here for your first screening, to investigate your symptoms, or for a second opinion.
What We Offer You for Colonoscopy
- Leading expertise from doctors who specialize in identifying and treating precancerous polyps, colorectal cancer and all other colorectal diseases.
- Patient-focused care with thorough evaluations that focus on your comfort and needs.
- Advanced treatment options, when needed, including minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
- Specialized technology for complex procedures, using advanced tools.
- Multispecialty care from experts in endoscopy, gastroenterology, surgery, and cancer treatment.
- Robust second opinion program so you can be confident in your treatment decision, while potentially avoiding unnecessary procedures.
- Colonoscopy quality assurance program to ensure that you receive the best care.
- Commitment to excellence in the entire range of colonoscopy, from screening through advanced therapeutic colonoscopy.
What Is A Colonoscopy?
What to Expect
Before
During
After
Your doctor and team will discuss colonoscopy preparation with you. Preparation involves a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. You will need to drink a prescribed liquid to clean out the colon. A cleansed colon ensures that your endoscopist has a clear view.
Most people are completely comfortable and not aware they are having a procedure. You will receive a sedative to help you relax and pain medication to prevent discomfort. You lie on your left side on the exam table with your knees drawn towards your chest. The endoscopist inserts a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached) into the rectum and advances it carefully to view the inside of your entire large intestine. If needed, your doctor may use special tools to remove polyps or to biopsy abnormalities.
Most people wake up and are surprised that the procedure is over. Because you are sedated during the procedure, someone must drive you home from the appointment and stay during recovery. You should rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive or do anything strenuous, such as exercise. You may experience some bloating, mild cramping, and gas. These symptoms are normal and will diminish over time. Unless your doctor says otherwise, you can resume a normal diet after the procedure.
Your doctor and team will discuss colonoscopy preparation with you. Preparation involves a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. You will need to drink a prescribed liquid to clean out the colon. A cleansed colon ensures that your endoscopist has a clear view.
close Before
Most people are completely comfortable and not aware they are having a procedure. You will receive a sedative to help you relax and pain medication to prevent discomfort. You lie on your left side on the exam table with your knees drawn towards your chest. The endoscopist inserts a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached) into the rectum and advances it carefully to view the inside of your entire large intestine. If needed, your doctor may use special tools to remove polyps or to biopsy abnormalities.
close During
Most people wake up and are surprised that the procedure is over. Because you are sedated during the procedure, someone must drive you home from the appointment and stay during recovery. You should rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive or do anything strenuous, such as exercise. You may experience some bloating, mild cramping, and gas. These symptoms are normal and will diminish over time. Unless your doctor says otherwise, you can resume a normal diet after the procedure.
close After
Our Clinics
The Digestive Health Center - Endoscopy Suite in Redwood City and all our other Endoscopy locations are proud to offer innovative treatments based on Stanford's pioneering translational research in the field of gastroenterology. Our state-of-the-art technology enables minimally invasive as well as traditional procedures focused on patient comfort, recovery time, and overall quality of life.
450 Broadway Street Pavilion A, 4th Floor
450 Broadway StreetPavilion A, 4th Floor
Redwood City CA, 94063
Phone: 650-736-5555 Getting Here »
RELATED CLINICS
Ground Floor
Stanford CA, 94305
Phone: 650-736-5555
Suite 320
Pleasanton CA, 94588
Phone: 925-278-7025
To schedule an appointment, please call:
Emeryville: 510-806-2100
Palo Alto: 650-736-5555
Pleasanton: 925-278-7025
Redwood City: 650-736-5555