Colonoscopy Specialist
-
- Tweet
Albert M. Harary, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Midtown East/Upper East Side, New York, NY
Colon cancers cause nearly 50,000 deaths each year in the United States. As part of your preventive health care, Dr. Albert M. Harary offers colonoscopy screenings to men and women in New York City at his Manhattan practice in Midtown East/Upper East Side to catch cancer early and increase your chances of successful treatment. Colonoscopies may also be part of your diagnosis if you have issues like chronic diarrhea or rectal bleeding. To learn more about the benefits of a colonoscopy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harary online or by calling his office today.
Colonoscopy Q & A
This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows Dr. Harary to closely view internal parts of your digestive tract, including the large intestine, or colon.
The procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube known as a colonoscope into your anus, which is slowly guided into your colon. Attached to the tube is a small camera that transmits live images onto an external video monitor, which Dr. Harary observes throughout the procedure.
Why do I need a colonoscopy?
The primary reason for a colonoscopy is screening for and reducing your likelihood of getting colon cancer. Dr. Harary may recommend a colonoscopy as a preventive treatment to screen for colon cancer if you have a family history or other risk factors for developing the disease.
Dr. Harary may also recommend a colonoscopy as a diagnostic test if you have symptoms like rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or iron-deficiency anemia.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Dr. Harary provides you with detailed instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy during your consultation. He may recommend changing your diet, such as avoiding leafy or fibrous vegetables and seeds in the days leading up to the procedure, and will discuss any medications you’re taking.
You may also need to limit your diet to just clear liquids and a special laxative the day before your appointment, and you shouldn’t eat or drink anything three to four hours before your procedure to keep your colon completely clean and ensure accurate test results.
Dr. Harary performs all colonoscopies at the Manhattan Endoscopy Center, which is located near his Midtown East office.
How is a colonoscopy performed?
Generally, a colonoscopy isn’t painful and Dr. Harary's anesthesiologist administers a sedative so you remain asleep through the procedure.
You lie on your side while he inserts the colonoscope and explores your large intestine. When he removes the tube, you may feel mild discomfort from bloating or gas that resolves on its own soon after the procedure ends.
If Dr. Harary detects the presence of polyps during your colonoscopy, he may choose to remove them during the procedure. He may also take a biopsy, or a sample of your intestinal tissue, if he notices abnormalities or possible indications of cancer.
If you’re having a colonoscopy because of bleeding, Dr. Harary may cauterize areas where he finds bleeding, or inject medications to stop the bleeding.
Following treatment, you recover from the sedation and will need a friend to drive you home. You can resume your normal diet and activities without restriction right away.
To learn more about a colonoscopy, call or book an appointment online today.
