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Colonoscopy

A simple colonoscopy can detect issues early when they're most treatable. Schedule your screening today.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It helps to diagnose and manage colon diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or colon cancer.

Why Get a Colonoscopy?

Your medical provider may recommend a colonoscopy to help identify the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss.

A colonoscopy is also the gold standard for detecting colon cancer.

Colon cancer often begins as a noncancerous growth. During a screening colonoscopy, the most common colon cancer screening method, your doctor can detect and remove these growths long before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is treatable and beatable if found early.

Who Should Get a Screening Colonoscopy?

Based on a trend of growing cases among younger adults, the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age to begin colon cancer screening to 45 years for people at average risk.

If you’re 45 years of age or older or have a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps, you should schedule a screening colonoscopy.

Why Choose HSHS?

HSHS and Prevea Health gastroenterologists and surgeons perform colonoscopies using state-of-the-art colonoscopy equipment, including high-definition monitors that allow for the most thorough exam and polyp removal.

What to Expect

A colonoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue may be removed, and tissue samples may be collected during the procedure as well.

You will receive a mild sedative through an IV before the procedure to ensure comfort throughout the process. The procedure will take approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

To make sure your colon is clear for the procedure, you will need to follow your doctor’s specific instructions. These usually include:

Dietary Restrictions: You may be asked to stick to clear liquids the day before your colonoscopy. Steer clear of solid foods and anything that’s red or purple.
Bowel Preparation: You will need to take a prescribed laxative solution to clean out your intestines. Follow your doctor's instructions closely for this part to get the best results.
Medication Adjustments: Let your doctor know about any medicines you're taking. Some might need adjusted or paused for a bit before the procedure.
Transportation Arrangements: Since you'll be given a sedative, you'll need someone to drive you home afterward, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

By carefully following these preparation steps, you can help ensure your colonoscopy goes smoothly and provides accurate results.

Scheduling Your Colonoscopy

Wisconsin

Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover screening colonoscopies.

If you haven't had a colonoscopy in the past 10 years, please consider scheduling one today by calling Prevea Digestive Health.

Location	Phone
Green Bay & Oconto Falls	920-429-1700
Sheboygan	920-457-4400

Illinois

A referral is needed for a colonoscopy.

Take the first step by talking to your primary care doctor about your risk and about the right screening options for you.