Colonoscopy
Aalok Sahai, MD
- Board Certified Colon and Rectal Specialist
- Over 10 years of experience with thousands of procedures performed
- Convenient outpatient endoscopy center locations in the East Valley (Tempe/Mesa, Chandler/Gilbert)
- Complex polyp removal
- Surgical Treatment if Required for Polyps, Colon Cancer, Hemorrhoids and other Anorectal Conditions
- Accept most insurances including ACCCHS
- NO long waiting period for scheduling
Paul Tender, MD
- Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon
- Over 25 years of experience in practice and teaching
- Expertise includes Office Based Proctology, Colon and Rectal Cancer, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and Diverticular disease
- Accept most insurances
- NO long waiting period for scheduling
Screening Colonoscopy:
Colorectal cancer can often be prevented through regular screening, which can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. It is recommended that all persons at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Colonoscopy is the gold standard screening examination and offers full evaluation of the colon and polyp removal before they become cancerous. Dr. Aalok Sahai and Dr. Paul Tender have been performing colonoscopies for over 15 years and have performed thousands for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Complex Polyp Removal:
Avoid surgery with complex polyp removal. Dr. Sahai and Dr. Tender have performed numerous colonoscopies for polyp removal in patients referred for surgical resection. This has avoided colon resection in some patients. Some polyps/precancerous lesions are too large or complex to be endoscopically removed and may still require surgical resection.
Same Day Colonoscopy:
Same day colonoscopy allows patients to schedule their colonoscopy without having a separate pre-procedure evaluation at the office. Qualified candidates can call the staff at Sonoran Surgical to schedule the colonoscopy, answer any questions, and receive all instructions via email. The doctor will meet the patient on the day of the colonoscopy prior to the start of the procedure. All pertinent medical information will be reviewed and any remaining questions answered.
You are eligible for a same day colonoscopy if you fulfill the following criteria:
• You are over the age of 50 and younger than the age of 70
• If you have had any heart procedure, are on any supplemental oxygen, or have impaired kidney function, you must schedule a consultation prior to scheduling the colonoscopy.
• Any other major medical issue (h/o seizures, uncontrolled DM)
• You are not on any anticoagulation (Plavix, Eliquis, Brilinta, Pradaxa, Coumadin/Warfarin, Lovenox)
If you are a candidate and wish to schedule a same visit colonoscopy, please fill out the information below. We will respond to you within 24 hours.
Colonoscopy Q & A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure to examine the inner lining of your rectum and colon. The procedure is used to screen for colon cancer, to diagnose the cause of symptoms like bleeding and diarrhea, and to repair intestinal problems.
Your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which holds a light and a video camera. He guides the colonoscope through the length of your colon, carefully viewing the lining for signs of problems. As the scope is slowly withdrawn, he has another chance to evaluate the intestinal lining.
At any time during your colonoscopy, your doctor may insert specialized instruments through the scope, so he can remove benign or malignant polyps, take a tissue biopsy, open a blockage, stop intestinal bleeding, or repair other problems.
What should I know about colon cancer?
Colon cancer begins when cells inside polyps begin to grow abnormally. As a result, a benign colon polyp slowly turns precancerous, then develops into full-blown colon cancer. When you have a colonoscopy, polyps can be detected and removed at an early stage before they cause colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that patients at an average risk for colon cancer get their first screening at the age of 45. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor so he can assess your risk factors. If you have a high risk for colon cancer, you’ll need to have your first colonoscopy at an earlier age.
The risk factors for colon cancer include:
- History of inflammatory bowel disease
- A family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Cigarette smoking
- Consuming a low-fiber diet
You also have a higher risk if you’re overweight or obese.
What should I expect during and after my colonoscopy?
You need to prepare for your procedure ahead of time by cleansing your colon. You receive detailed instructions that usually ask you to follow a liquid diet and take laxatives. While this isn’t comfortable for most patients, the cleansing process is important because your doctor must be able to see the lining of your large intestine.
Before your colonoscopy, you receive sedatives or anesthesia to ensure your comfort. A colonoscopy takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of polyps or problems found. When you’re finished, you stay in recovery until your anesthesia wears off, and then you go home the same day.
If you need to schedule a colonoscopy, call Sonoran Surgical or use the online booking feature.
LOCATIONS
963 N. Mcqueen Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: 480-646-8440
Fax: 480-646-8441
Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday |
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
8:00 am - 4:30 pm 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Closed Closed |
37200 N Gantzel Road, Suite 230
San Tan, Arizona 85140
Phone: 480-646-8440
Fax: 480-646-8441
Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday |
Closed
Closed Closed Closed 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Closed Closed |