Colonoscopy and Colon Cancer Screening in Louisville, KY
A colonoscopy examines the entire colon and rectum, which lets it both find colorectal cancer early and prevent it by removing polyps in the same visit. Anand Gupta, MD, FACG performs colonoscopy at the outpatient
endoscopy center in Louisville, with Medicare accepted for Kentucky and Indiana. Call 502 893 7744.
Why a Colonoscopy Is Recommended
Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when it is caught early, and colonoscopy both finds and removes precancerous polyps in a single appointment. Stool based tests and CT colonography are also recommended screening options, and any positive result from those leads to a colonoscopy anyway. Most people at average risk start screening at 45. Earlier and more frequent screening applies if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or an inherited condition such as Lynch syndrome. With a family history, screening often begins at 40, or ten years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed.
It is also a diagnostic test, used to investigate rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and any lasting change in bowel habits.
Why You Need a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is recommended for several reasons:
Colon Cancer Screening
It is a powerful tool for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer, one of the most common and treatable forms of cancer. Early detection can be lifesaving.
Diagnostic Tool
A colonoscopy investigates gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained bleeding.
Polyp Removal
Any precancerous polyps found can be removed during the procedure, reducing the risk of future cancer development.
What Happens During the Procedure
1. Preparation. You receive written prep instructions in advance. Prep forms for TriLyte and SUTAB are available in English and Spanish on the patient prep forms.
2. Sedation. You are sedated so you are comfortable throughout. Most patients remember little or nothing of it.
3. Examination. A thin flexible colonoscope with a camera is passed through the rectum so the entire colon can be examined on high definition Olympus video equipment.
4. Polyp removal and biopsy. Polyps found are removed during the same procedure, and tissue can be biopsied for the laboratory.
5.
Recovery. The examination usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, followed by monitored recovery before you go home.
Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
The quality of the examination depends on how clean the colon is, so the preparation matters as much as the procedure. Follow the diet instructions and finish the entire prep solution on schedule. Tell the office in advance about blood thinners, diabetes medication and any implanted device, because some of these need adjusting or checking first. Arrange a driver, because you will be sedated.
After the Procedure
Most people feel normal within a few hours, aside from some gas and bloating as air used during the examination clears, and return to ordinary activity the next day. If polyps were removed, the laboratory results and your repeat interval follow once pathology is back. That interval depends on the number, size and type of polyps found.
Cost, Coverage and Scheduling
Medicare covers screening colonoscopy, and the practice accepts Medicare, Kentucky and Indiana Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem, Baptist Health Network, Humana, Passport by Molina Healthcare, TRICARE and UnitedHealthcare. Under Medicare there is no deductible for a screening colonoscopy, and if a polyp is removed you may owe 15 percent coinsurance, a share that phases down to zero by 2030. Most commercial plans must cover polyp removal during a screening exam at no cost to you. The office verifies your benefits before the date.
Because the procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center rather than a hospital outpatient department, the facility charge is generally lower. Patients travel from across Jefferson County and from New Albany, Jeffersonville and Clarksville in Southern Indiana. Call 502 893 7744 or
contact the office to book.
When to Call Us Afterward
Serious problems after a colonoscopy are uncommon, but they do happen. Call the office straight away, or go to an emergency room if the office is closed, for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a firm swollen abdomen, heavy or continued rectal bleeding, a fever or chills, or persistent vomiting. Light spotting and some gas are expected. The symptoms above are not.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak to Dr. Gupta about your own situation.
Expertise
We specialize in gastrointestinal procedures and have a team of experienced professionals skilled in performing colonoscopies with precision and care.
Patient Comfort
We prioritize your comfort and well-being at every stage of the procedure, ensuring you have a positive experience.
Preventive Care
We understand the significance of preventive screenings, and our center is committed to early detection and intervention.
Local and Convenient
Paramount Surgery Center, LLC is conveniently located in Louisville, offering you accessible and reliable healthcare right in your community.
Contact Paramount Surgery Center, LLC at (502) 893-7744 to schedule your colonoscopy or consultation and experience the difference our expert care can make in your well-being.
