Colon screening (colonoscopy) saves lives! It is recommended that adults over the age of 45 have a colonoscopy every 10 years to check for growths in the colon or rectum that could be cancerous or precancerous. Finding these growths early means you can prevent cancer from occurring, or treat it during an early stage when treatment is most effective.
A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your rectum and colon with a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope that allows your physician to take pictures or video of the large intestine (colon).
A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out.
You will need to prepare for your colonoscopy by cleaning out your colon. This prep involves drinking a special liquid and usually takes one day, depending upon the type of prep your physician orders. Some preps may be taken the evening before the test.
The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that your colon will be empty for the test. Plan to stay home during your prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often.
Many people find the prep more uncomfortable than the actual procedure. During the procedure itself you will be given a mild sedative and will not feel any pain.
Most people are referred for a colonoscopy by their physicians as part of their general screening regimes. However, healthy individuals can schedule their colonoscopy directly without having a preliminary appointment.
If you meet any of the criteria below, please check with your physician to review your health before scheduling your colonoscopy:
Schedule an appointment at one of the practices below that is most convenient to you. Note those offices that offer direct colonoscopy scheduling if you meet the criteria as indicated above.
Many of our providers offer video visits. Call the office or schedule via your patient portal.
Listen to Christopher Buzas, DO on our podcast Healthier YOU - the podcast from UPMC in Central PA in the new episode titled Pelvic floor and rectal cancer.
Colon Cancer: Learn more about screening, signs, and symptoms, a new episode featuring our guest Thomas Nicholson, MD, is now available to listen to on demand here.
UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 E. Main St.
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Medical Office Building
310 Stock St.
Suite 8
Hanover, PA 17331
Your gastrointestinal (GI) system is one of the most important aspects of your health. When you suffer from digestive issues, it can be painful -- and even harmful if left untreated. If you think you might suffer from one of the conditions below, be sure to call us at 717-741-1414 to schedule an appointment.
UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology offers a variety of procedures to help treat your GI issues including:
3907 N. Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Our outstanding team of colon rectal surgeons, including those at UPMC Pinnacle Colon and Rectal Surgery, perform a full range of open and minimally invasive procedures such as colonoscopy, colon surgery, hemorrhoid removal, and treatment of anorectal conditions. Our board certified surgeons perform both laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques which can reduce pain, reduce the amount of time you spend in the hospital, and shorten the time it takes to heal from a surgical procedure.
2170 Noll Drive, Suite 30
Lancaster, PA 17603
General Surgery of Lancaster has dedicated their time to the practice of general surgery. Our front office staff is well trained and concerned about every patient receiving the best care possible. They are willing to help you with your registration, scheduling and insurance needs. Every effort will be made to answer all your questions in a timely manner.
General Surgery of Lancaster provides complete surgical services, from emergency care to treatment of disease in nearly all of the body’s organs- tumor removal, hernia repair, vascular surgery and wound care –many using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Phan works closely with patients, families and primary care doctors to provide personalized, coordinated surgical care.
Our surgical services include:
Robotic Assisted Procedures:
We participate with most major insurances. Please call our office to confirm that we participate with your insurance.
You will need to bring the following items:
Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete your registration. You will be asked to sign our HIPAA form, as required by law, so that you are aware of our privacy policies.
Please be prepared to pay your deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and any other amounts due at the time of your visit. Please remember that your appointment time is valuable. If you are unable to make your appointment please let us know at least 24 hours ahead of time so that we may schedule someone else that needs care.
3 Walnut St.
Suite 100
Lemoyne, PA 17043
We have a long history of providing the finest surgical care in Central Pennsylvania, dating to the opening of our first operating room in 1900. Today, Our outstanding team of general surgeons, including those representing PinnacleHealth Surgical Associates, perform a full range of open & minimally invasive procedures such as endoscopy, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery and thyroid surgery. Using both laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques can reduce pain, reduce the amount of time you spend in the hospital, and shorten the time it takes to heal from a surgical procedure.
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The procedures performed by the surgeons of PinnacleHealth Surgical Associates include but are not limited to:
Many of these procedures can be done in a minimally invasive fashion.
UPMC Memorial
1703 Innovation Dr.
Suite 3136
York, PA 17408
Phone: 717-741-3449
(Formerly Gastro Associates of York)
2690 Southfield Dr.
Suite A
York, PA 17403
*Our telephones are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Schedule a new patient appointment online
UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology Associates providers have advanced training in digestive medicine and are board-certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine. Our office is proud to be a part of UPMC in central Pa.'s Specialty Care practice network.
You can find our office (formerly Gastro Associates of York) in York, PA on Southfield Drive off of Leader Heights Road. We're just a short drive off Interstate 83. Call 717-741-1414 to make an appointment today.
Your gastrointestinal (GI) system is one of the most important aspects of your health. When you suffer from digestive issues, it can be painful -- and even harmful if left untreated. If you think you might suffer from one of the conditions below, be sure to call us at 717-741-1414 to schedule an appointment.
UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology offers a variety of procedures to help treat your GI issues including:
(Formerly York Endoscopy Center)
2690 Southfield Dr.
Suite B
York, PA 17403
*Our telephones are answered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
UPMC Specialty Care York Endoscopy (formerly York Endoscopy Center) is located next to and in conjunction with UPMC Specialty Care Gastroenterology where together they perform more than 7,500 endoscopy procedures each year.
You can find our office (formerly Gastro Associates of York) in York, PA on Southfield Drive off of Leader Heights Road. We're just a short drive off Interstate 83.
When it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more.
Contact UPMC in central Pa.