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
Harish Kakkilaya, MD
Biography
Harish Kakkilaya, M.D., M.S., FRCS, FACS, is a compassionate and patient-oriented board-certified general surgeon. He treats adult and senior patients for a wide range of illnesses that require surgical intervention, including conditions that affect the abdomen and digestive system, among others. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery and treats numerous gastrointestinal conditions including hernia repair and gallbladder removal.
Dr. Kakkilaya earned his medical degree (Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine) from Mysore Medical College in India and his Master of Surgery degree from the University of Bombay in India. He completed a residency in general surgery at BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai, India, as well as general surgery residencies at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York and Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, PA. He also completed a fellowship in minimally invasive at Northwest and Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Prior to joining the Christiana Care team, Dr. Kakkilaya has held general surgeon roles at numerous academic medical centers in New Jersey.
Dr. Kakkilaya is excited to provide the highest quality of care to his patients and their families as a general surgeon at ChristianaCare. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.