Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
FAQ
Current guidelines recommend that average-risk individuals begin colon cancer screening at age forty-five. However, you should begin screening earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer (especially in a first-degree relative), personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, certain genetic syndromes, or other risk factors. Discuss your individual screening recommendations with your physician.
The procedure itself typically takes fifteen to thirty minutes, though the exact time depends on factors like the length and anatomy of your colon and whether polyps need to be removed. You should plan to spend approximately two to three hours at the endoscopy center for pre-procedure preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time.
Yes, most patients receive moderate sedation (sometimes called “twilight sedation”) during colonoscopy. This medication helps you relax and minimizes discomfort during the procedure. You will be drowsy but can usually respond to instructions. Some patients request deeper sedation, which can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.
Most patients report little to no pain during colonoscopy, especially with appropriate sedation. You may feel some pressure or cramping as the colonoscope moves through your colon, but this is generally mild and brief. After the procedure, you may experience some bloating or gas, but this resolves quickly.
Colonoscopy preparation involves following a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure and taking a bowel preparation medication to cleanse your colon. We provide detailed written preparation instructions when you schedule your colonoscopy. Following the preparation instructions carefully is essential for a successful procedure—a clean colon allows your gastroenterologist to see the entire colon lining clearly.
No. Because you will receive sedation during your colonoscopy, you must have a responsible adult drive you home after the procedure. You will not be permitted to drive yourself, take public transportation alone, or use ride-sharing services alone. Plan to have someone stay with you for a few hours after your procedure.
Your gastroenterologist will discuss preliminary findings with you immediately after your procedure, once you are awake and alert. If biopsies were taken, final pathology results typically take three to five business days. Your physician will contact you to discuss biopsy results and any recommended follow-up.
The timing of your next colonoscopy depends on your findings. If no polyps were found and you have average risk, you typically will not need another colonoscopy for ten years. If polyps were found and removed, you may need repeat colonoscopy in three to five years depending on the number, size, and type of polyps. Your gastroenterologist will provide specific recommendations based on your individual results.
Upper endoscopy (also called EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy) allows your gastroenterologist to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. It is used to diagnose and treat conditions including acid reflux, ulcers, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, bleeding, and tumors.
You must avoid eating or drinking anything (including water) for at least six hours before your upper endoscopy. This ensures that your stomach is empty, which is essential for safety and visualization. We provide specific preparation instructions when you schedule your procedure.
Yes, most patients receive moderate sedation during upper endoscopy to help you relax and minimize discomfort. The sedation is similar to that used for colonoscopy.
The procedure itself typically takes ten to twenty minutes. Including pre-procedure preparation and recovery time, you should plan to spend approximately two hours at the endoscopy center.
This depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance plans require referrals from primary care physicians before seeing specialists, while others allow you to schedule directly with specialists. Check with your insurance company or call our office at (979) 292-0033, and our staff can verify whether your plan requires a referral.
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance carriers. Call our billing department at (979) 292-0033 to verify that we accept your specific insurance plan.
Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of current medications (including over-the-counter medications and supplements), relevant medical records from other providers (if available), and a list of questions you would like to discuss. Arriving fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment allows time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including acid reflux (GERD), ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver disease, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, celiac disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and gastrointestinal cancers.
You should see a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent or concerning digestive symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, blood in stool, difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). You should also see a gastroenterologist for colon cancer screening according to recommended guidelines.
Yes, all of our gastroenterology physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in gastroenterology. Board certification requires rigorous examination, ongoing continuing medical education, and maintenance of active medical licensure.
We make every effort to accommodate urgent concerns as quickly as possible. Depending on availability and the nature of your concern, same-day or next-day appointments may be available. Call our office at 1-888-292-0010 to discuss your needs.
We provide the same board-certified gastroenterologists, advanced equipment, and comprehensive services at all three locations. Choose the location most convenient for you based on proximity to your home or work, traffic patterns, and personal preference. All of our physicians see patients at all three locations.
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We welcome the opportunity to serve your gastroenterology needs. Contact any of our three locations to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.