Dr. Darrien Gaston, MD, FACP, FACG, offers professional colonoscopy services for early detection and prevention of colorectal conditions. Patients receive expert care in a comfortable setting to safeguard their digestive health.
A colonoscopy is a test that allows Dr. Gaston to examine the lining of your colon, also referred to as the large intestine, for abnormalities. He uses a colonoscope: A thin, flexible tube with a lens and a light that projects the inside of your colon onto a video monitor. These tests are used to screen for cancer, polyps, and other disorders of the large intestine.
While many gastroenterologists require patients to have the procedure done at a hospital, Dr. Gaston can do it right in his office.
Dr. Gaston recommends a colonoscopy for anyone who’s at risk for colorectal cancer. As the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, an average of 150,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year. Since a colonoscopy is a screening test, it has the potential to save at least 30,000 lives a year.
Dr. Gaston may also order a colonoscopy when you have bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or pain near the colon.
Before a colonoscopy, Dr. Gaston provides detailed instructions on dietary restrictions and bowel preparation. Typically, patients follow a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure and take a prescribed cleansing solution or oral laxatives to ensure a thorough examination of the colon. If you take medications, consult Dr. Gaston beforehand. While most are safe, certain medications—such as aspirin, arthritis medications, anticoagulants, insulin, and iron supplements—may require adjustments to prevent complications during the procedure..
Dr. Gaston’s goal in treating ulcerative colitis is to reduce symptoms and minimize flare-ups. Treatment often includes medications such as antidiarrheal drugs, suppositories, aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or biologics. In severe cases, surgical removal of part or all of the large intestine may be necessary. While this procedure cures ulcerative colitis, it may not address other complications like liver damage.
When Dr. Gaston performs a colonoscopy, he positions you on your side or back and inserts a colonoscope through your anus and into your large intestine. He’s able to maneuver it and examine your bowels by controlling the colonoscope with the endoscope handle.
Once the procedure is complete, the colonoscope is gently removed. The whole process takes around 45 minutes, although 2-3 hours may be needed for recovery.
Don’t wait to take control of your digestive health. Schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Darrien Gaston today and get personalized care tailored to your needs.
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