Colonoscopy Specialist
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Daniel Reich, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Queens, Forest Hills, NY
Getting to the root cause of your digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, often requires diagnostic evaluations such as a colonoscopy. Daniel Reich, MD, is a gastroenterologist in Forest Hills, Queens, in New York City who performs colonoscopy testing. To get answers to your health concerns, call the office, or select the online booking tool to schedule a consultation.
Colonoscopy Q&A
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that allows Dr. Reich, a board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine physician, to view your large intestines without the need for an invasive procedure.
During the test, Dr. Reich uses a special tool called a colonoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube that has a light and camera, which generates images of your large intestines that he can view on a computer screen.
Why would I need a colonoscopy?
Dr. Reich may suggest a colonoscopy to determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as your abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools.
The colonoscopy is also used as a screening tool for colon cancer. Adults 50 and over should undergo a colon cancer screening test every 10 years.
However, you may benefit from a colon cancer screening at an earlier age if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, which are abnormal growths found in the lining of the colon.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Dr. Reich provides detailed instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. The goal of your colonoscopy preparation is to clean your large intestine of stool and debris so that Dr. Reich can conduct a comprehensive and thorough evaluation.
Your preparation may require that you follow a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure and take a special cleansing solution to clear out your large intestines.
It’s important that you follow Dr. Reich’s colonoscopy preparation guidelines as directed, otherwise, you may need to repeat the diagnostic procedure.
What can I expect during a colonoscopy?
Dr. Reich can explain what you can expect during a colonoscopy at your initial evaluation. During the procedure, you lie on your side on an examination table. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers a sedative to keep you comfortable and help you relax prior to the procedure.
Then, Dr. Reich inserts the colonoscope into your rectum and guides it slowly through your large intestines. The colonoscope blows air into your colon to expand the area and improve visibility.
If Dr. Reich identifies any abnormalities, such as polyps, he may take a sample of the tissue or remove the abnormality altogether and have it sent to pathology for an evaluation of the tissue.
The entire procedure takes 15-30 minutes, but you need to remain at the office until you recover from the anesthesia. You should also arrange to have someone drive you home. Dr. Reich reviews the preliminary results of your colonoscopy before you go home.
For comprehensive gastrointestinal care from the leading gastroenterologist in Queens, call the office of Daniel Reich MD, or click the booking button to schedule your colonoscopy.
