Leading Colonoscopy Specialist in Los Angeles, Dr. Berookim, recommends that every person over the age of 50 years of age should be screened once every ten years for colorectal cancer. The risks of contracting this devastating disease are even higher for African Americans, who are recommended to begin the screening process at the age of 45.
Los Angeles GI Doctor Specialist
As a leading Los Angeles GI Doctor Specialist, Dr. Berookim considers a standard colonoscopy exam to be a simple and extremely effective preventative measure used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. The exam can also detect precancerous tumors and polyps that might eventually lead to this devastating disease in the future. Colonoscopies can also be useful in determining the cause of certain types of medical disorders, such as blood in the stool, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and other abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.
Common Signs that you may need a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy Los Angeles
As a highly regarded Colonoscopy Specialist in Los Angeles, Dr. Berookim is often asked to consult on a variety of patient cases. While highly useful in detecting colon cancer, a colonoscopy can also be very effective in diagnosing many other types of disease and infection as well. Some common symptoms that might warrant a colonoscopy include:
• Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation
• Unexplainable Anemia
• Rapid Weight Loss or Weight Gain
• Chronic Fatigue
• Unexplained changes in bowel movements, including narrowing of the stool
This is just a short list of common warning signs. As we can tell by the list, these are all very good reasons to seek a qualified gastroenterologist like Dr. Berookim to conduct the procedure.
What to Expect
Before the colonoscopy takes place, Dr. Berookim will provide each patient with detailed instructions for emptying the bowels in the days and hours preceding the examination. He will also ask for a detailed list of all prescription medications and any possible allergies. Because the procedure involves a small amount of sedation medication, each patient will be instructed to be accompanied by a friend or family member on the day of the colonoscopy.
The entire examination takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Recovery time from the sedation medication takes another 30 to 60 minutes, and Dr. Berookim may or may not place the patient under certain dietary restrictions for a short period of time. As your leading Colonoscopy Procedure Los Angeles Specialist, Dr. Berookim is always ready to answer any of your questions along the way.