Surprisingly, a lot of colonoscopies that are performed in the U.S. are not always performed by a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and is best doctor for colonoscopies. On the other hand, a primary care doctor and general surgeon generally do screenings to detect such disorders, providing a referral to a gastroenterologist and ultimately saving patients from advanced cancer.
While many primary care doctors and general surgeons are great at what they do, it is important to know that the difference in the results between a colonoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist and a primary care doctor or general surgeon can certainly vary. In this article, we will discuss the type of doctor that is best for a colonoscopy.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is also referred to as a colorectal cancer screening, which is a preventative procedure done to evaluate the inside of the colon, otherwise known as the large intestine or large bowel. The procedure is done by using a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube that features a camera and light at the end. The colonoscope helps to detect precancerous and cancerous tissue. A colonoscopy is highly effective in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancer. Beyond the examination of the tissues in the colon, a colonoscopy can also be done to examine and determine the cause of certain conditions, such as blood in the stool, diarrhea, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and more.
If you are interested in scheduling a colonoscopy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the best doctor for colonoscopy near me. At the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the best diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Which Doctor is Best?
In a study, researchers explored medical data pertaining to both men and women ages 70 to 89, which determined a significant difference in those who did not undergo a colonoscopy. The study concluded:
- Individuals who had undergone a colonoscopy performed by a gastroenterologist resulted in a 65% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer
- Individuals who had undergone a colonoscopy performed by a primary care doctor had a 57% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer
- Individuals who had undergone a colonoscopy done by a general surgeon had a 45% lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer
Based on the study, a colonoscopy that is performed by any doctor – whether it’s a gastroenterologist, primary care doctor, or general surgeon – can reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer. However, the study does show that when a colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist, it can indeed reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death significantly.
If you are looking for the best doctor for colonoscopy near me, contact our team for the top diagnosis and treatment. With years providing patients with effective treatment, our team is committed to ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome.
Why is it Best to See a Gastroenterologist For a Colonoscopy?
It is important to take into account the specialized training, experience, and education that a gastroenterologist must undergo. In terms of performing a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist comes out on top for patients to see. This is because of the following reasons:
- Additional specialized training: In order to become a board-certified gastroenterologist, the physician must complete two to three years of fellowship training and education specific to gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopies.
- Larger volume of colonoscopies performed: Another important reason as to why it is best to see a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy is due to the fact that gastroenterologists generally perform a higher volume of colonoscopies compared to primary care doctors and general surgeons. When there is more experience involved, this typically means that a gastroenterologist tends to be more skilled at detecting precancerous and cancerous tissues.
- Continual medical training and education: In order for a gastroenterologist to maintain board-certification, he or she must continue training and education in order to remain up-to-date with the newest advancements and developments in their respective field.
As one of the top gastroenterologists, Dr. Peyton Berookim remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and results for his patients. If you are searching for the best doctor for colonoscopy near me, don’t hesitate to contact our team for the effective diagnosis and treatment.
How Long Does a Colonoscopy Last?
Generally, a colonoscopy is a relatively short procedure that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Depending on the patient’s condition and whether additional procedures are necessary, the duration could also be more or less.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Team
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with the best doctor for colonoscopy near me, our team is here to help every step of the way. With extensive experience providing patients with the care and treatment that they need, we are here to help. Feel free to contact our team to schedule a consultation for a colposcopy.