What is a screening colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is the best test currently available to detect colorectal cancer. An endoscope (slim flexible tube with a camera at the tip) is passed through the colon while the physician carefully looks for precancerous lesions or polyps. The test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes on average.
Who should get a colonoscopy?
Individuals 50 years or older and anyone with a family history or those experiencing unexplained constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, or blood in their stool or toilet tissue should speak to their physician.
What is the colonic preparation like?
You prep the day before by drinking a bowel cleanser and following a special diet. Different colonic preparations are commercially available and are more palatable and demand less liquid intake than in the past.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
No! Prior to the colonoscopy a sedative is administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Patients usually wake up shortly after the colonoscopy with little to no discomfort.
Is there anything you can do to guarantee never getting colon cancer?
No. There are no special foods, herbs or bowel cleansers that will prevent colon cancer. Undergoing timely colorectal cancer screenings is the best thing you can do to prevent the development of colon cancer.
Contact Information
General Surgery, Elkton
137 West High Street
Suite 2B
Elkton, MD 21921
Tel: (443) 305-5850
Fax: (410) 620-2277
ChristianaCare GI Associates at Elkton
Medical Professional Building
111 West High Street
Suite 112
Elkton, MD 21921
Tel: (410) 398-8888
Fax: (410) 398-0328
George Giannoukos, MD
Biography
Dr. Giannoukos specializes in general surgery at the Christiana Care Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center and as a private practice surgeon for 25 years. He earned his medical degree from National University of Athens and completed a residency in general surgery at Christiana Care. Dr. Giannoukos is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He holds a Certification of Added Qualification from the American Board of Wound Healing and is an instructor for the American College of Surgeons’ Advanced Trauma Life Support program.
Dr. Giannoukos is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Professional Wound Care Association.