Download What`s stopping you?

What’s
stopping you?
A colonoscopy can
save your life.
Digestive Disease Institute
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which
the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is
examined. A colonoscopy enables the physician to see
abnormalities like inflamed tissue, polyps, ulcers,
bleeding and diverticulosis.
The procedure is commonly used to screen for
colon cancer.
Why should I get one?
In nearly all cases, colon cancer starts as a precancerous
growth in the colon called an adenomatous polyp, which
usually doesn’t cause symptoms. This is why it’s important
to have regular screenings. A colonoscopy detects polyps so
they can be removed before they turn into cancer and cause
symptoms.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer among
men and women in the United States. But, the good news is,
according to the National Cancer Institute, deaths from colon
cancer are declining due to increased use of screening.
Who is it for?
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends
colon cancer screenings begin at age 50; or age 45 if you are
black, as this group is at higher risk than whites, Hispanics
and other ethnic groups.
Some people should begin screening earlier if they have
any of the following, which could increase their colon
cancer risk:
• Personal history of colon cancer or precancerous
colon polyps, called adenomas
• History of inflammatory bowel disease
(Crohn’s colitis or ulcerative colitis)
• Numerous relatives with colon cancer or
adenomatous polyps
• Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis
or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer
What happens during a colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, a physician uses a colonoscope
(a long, flexible instrument about one-half inch in
diameter) to view the lining of the colon. The colonoscope
is inserted through the rectum and advanced through the
large intestine. If necessary during a colonoscopy, small
amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a
biopsy) and polyps can be identified and removed. In many
cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and
treatment without the need for a major operation.
What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
The main benefit of a colonoscopy is that it detects
and removes polyps before they can turn into cancer.
Colonoscopies also can find colorectal cancer early. If
cancer is detected and found early, 90 percent of these
cases are curable.
What about the preparation?
To complete a successful colonoscopy, the bowel must be
clean so your physician can clearly view the entire colon.
Without proper prep, the procedure may have to be repeated.
Fortunately, today’s bowel prep is easier than before. Rather
than having to consume a gallon of solution, patients can
choose half-gallon options. What’s more, many physicians
prescribe a split dose for best cleaning, where at least half the
prep is taken on the day of the procedure.
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What’s Stopping You?
Can it be too painful – or even risky?
About the Digestive Disease Institute
About 99 percent of patients should be able to be
adequately sedated through conscious sedation or
twilight sleep to be comfortable during their
colonoscopy. Most patients don’t even remember the
exam! Cleveland Clinic also offers monitored anesthesia
care for patients who require deeper sedation.
Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease institute (DDI) unites all
specialists within one unique, fully integrated model of
care – aimed at optimizing patient experience. Our
departments include:
When performed by specially trained professionals,
colonoscopies are safe. The risk of perforation is less
than 1 in 1,000 cases, and the risk of bleeding is less
than 1 percent.
• Colorectal Surgery
Why come to Cleveland Clinic?
Board-certified gastroenterologists and colorectal
surgeons at Cleveland Clinic’s Digestive Disease
Institute are highly experienced in colonoscopy,
performing more than 20,000 colonoscopies per year.
These physicians are available at 17 locations around
Northeast Ohio to meet your needs before and after
the procedure.
• Gastroenterology & Hepatology
•Bariatrics
• General Surgery
(including Hepato-pancreato-biliary & Transplant Surgery)
• Human Nutrition
Cleveland Clinic has been ranked No. 2 in the nation in
gastroenterology by U.S. News & World Report’s, and is the
top-ranked gastroenterology program in Ohio.
The Digestive Disease Institute is at the forefront of
colon polyp and cancer prevention through patient
screening, education, detection and treatment.
Five-year survival rates for early-stage colon cancer
patients at Cleveland Clinic is above 90 percent. The
institute’s colorectal surgeons perform more colon and
rectal cancer surgeries than any other hospital in Ohio
– and has one of the highest volumes of colorectal
surgeries in the nation.
Schedule your colonoscopy today!
Call 216.444.7000 to make an
appointment for a colonoscopy or to
see a digestive specialist at one of
our convenient locations:
• C
leveland Clinic main campus
• B
eachwood Family Health & Surgery Center
• C
hestnut Commons Family Health Center
• Concord Endoscopy Center
• Hillcrest Digestive Disease Center
• Independence Family Health Center
We are additionally committed to advancements in
hereditary colon cancer through our Sanford R.
Weiss, MD, Center for Hereditary Colorectal Neoplasia.
The Weiss Center is home to the David G. Jagelman
Inherited Colorectal Cancers Registries, the nation’s
largest registry of patients with hereditary colon cancer.
The center also contains an expanded database for
genetic research into hereditary colon cancers, which
can be used to help identify at-risk individuals and
provide more efficient care.
• Landerbrook Endoscopy Center
Talk to your doctor today about getting screened for
colon cancer, or make an appointment at a convenient
location.
• W
illoughby Hills Family Health Center
• Lorain Family Health & Surgery Center
• Lutheran Hospital
• Marymount Hospital
• M
edina Hospital
• R
ichard E. Jacobs Health Center (Avon)
• S
outh Pointe Hospital
• S
trongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
• Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center
• Wooster Family Health & Surgery Center
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16-DDI-297