When should I get my first colonoscopy?

Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend screening earlier.

Is the procedure painful?

No. Most patients receive sedation during a colonoscopy, so they are comfortable and often sleep through the procedure. You may experience mild bloating or cramping afterward from the air used during the exam, but this usually resolves quickly.

Why is bowel preparation so important?

A clean colon allows Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles to clearly examine the lining of your colon and detect polyps or other abnormalities. If the bowel isn't properly cleaned, important findings can be missed, and the procedure may need to be repeated. Following your preparation instructions carefully helps ensure the most accurate and effective exam.

How long does the actual procedure take?

The colonoscopy itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, although you should plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours at the facility to allow time for preparation, sedation, and recovery before going home.

How often do I need to get one?

For most people with normal results and average risk, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years. However, if polyps are found, you have a family history of colorectal cancer, or you're at higher risk, Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles may recommend screening more frequently. Your follow-up schedule will be based on your individual results and medical history.

Can I drive myself home?

No. Because sedation is typically used during a colonoscopy, you will not be able to drive afterward. You should arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most people are able to return to their normal activities the following day.

What foods can I eat before my colonoscopy?

In the days leading up to your colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend avoiding high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, and raw vegetables. The day before your procedure, you'll switch to a clear liquid diet, including water, clear broth, apple juice, sports drinks, tea or coffee without cream, and gelatin (avoiding red or purple-colored liquids). Your physician will provide detailed preparation instructions based on your individual needs.

Will I be asleep during my colonoscopy?

Most patients receive IV sedation during a colonoscopy, allowing them to sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. You typically won't feel pain or remember the exam. Afterward, you'll spend a short time recovering before going home with a responsible adult.

What can a colonoscopy detect?

A colonoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and rectum for abnormalities. It can detect colon polyps, colorectal cancer, inflammation, ulcers, diverticulosis, and signs of conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It can also help identify the cause of symptoms like rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained changes in bowel habits.

Can polyps be removed during a colonoscopy?

Yes. If your gastroenterologist finds a colon polyp during your colonoscopy, it can often be removed immediately without the need for additional surgery. Removing polyps is one of the most effective ways to help prevent colorectal cancer, since some polyps can develop into cancer over time.

When will I receive my results?

Your doctor will discuss the initial findings with you after your colonoscopy once you're awake from sedation. If biopsies are taken or polyps are removed, those samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Pathology results are typically available within several days, and your doctor will review them with you along with any recommended next steps.

Do I need a referral for a colonoscopy?

Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan. Some insurance providers require a referral from your primary care physician, while many do not. Our office is happy to help you determine your insurance requirements before scheduling your appointment.

Does insurance cover a screening colonoscopy?

Most health insurance plans cover screening colonoscopies for eligible patients as part of preventive care. Coverage may vary depending on your age, medical history, insurance provider, and whether the procedure is performed for screening or to evaluate symptoms. Our team can help verify your insurance benefits before your appointment.

Is a colonoscopy safe?

Yes. A colonoscopy is considered a safe and routine procedure when performed by an experienced gastroenterologist. Serious complications are uncommon, and the benefits of detecting and preventing colorectal cancer generally far outweigh the risks. Your doctor will review any potential risks and answer your questions before the procedure.

What happens if something abnormal is found?

If your doctor finds a polyp during your colonoscopy, it can often be removed during the procedure. If an area appears abnormal, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for further evaluation. Depending on the findings, your doctor will explain any recommended follow-up care or treatment.

Should I get a colonoscopy if I have blood in my stool?

Blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. While it may be caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, it can also be a sign of colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Your gastroenterologist will determine whether a colonoscopy is appropriate based on your symptoms, age, and medical history.

How do I schedule a colonoscopy?

Scheduling a colonoscopy is simple. Contact our office to make an appointment, and our team will guide you through the scheduling process, insurance verification, bowel preparation instructions, and any questions you may have before your procedure.

Colonoscopy Procedure & Care | Dr. David Tenembaum MD

Q: How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Preparing for a colonoscopy typically involves following a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure and taking a prescribed bowel preparation to clean your colon. Your doctor will also provide instructions about when to stop eating, drinking, and whether you need to temporarily adjust any medications. Following these instructions carefully is essential for an accurate and successful colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Procedure, Preparation and Recovery Guide

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Colonoscopy: What It Is and Why It Matters

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because it allows your gastroenterologist to examine the colon, detect abnormalities, and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

Using a thin, flexible camera called a colonoscope, your doctor carefully examines the lining of your colon and rectum for polyps, inflammation, bleeding, and other abnormalities that may require treatment or further evaluation.

Most patients receive IV sedation and sleep comfortably throughout the procedure, with little to no memory afterward. Colonoscopies are typically completed in 20–45 minutes, and patients return home the same day.

Why Is a Colonoscopy Important?

Unlike stool-based screening tests, a colonoscopy is both preventive and diagnostic. During the procedure, precancerous polyps can often be removed before they develop into colorectal cancer, making colonoscopy one of the most effective ways to prevent, not just detect, colon cancer.

A colonoscopy may also help identify the cause of symptoms such as:

Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool
Changes in bowel habits
Persistent abdominal pain
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Unexplained weight loss
Iron deficiency anemia

Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Earlier screening may be recommended for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, previous colon polyps, or digestive symptoms.

Patient Saftey

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Colonoscopies are performed using IV sedation with continuous monitoring by an experienced anesthesia team. Our physicians use high-definition technology to provide thorough, accurate examinations while making the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Colon cancer, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and Tuberous Sclerosis awarenes

How Does a Colonoscopy Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

Most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths from the wall of the colon. If these precancerous polyps are left alone, they have the potential to grow into a cancer.

Not all colon polyps have the same risk of turning into colon cancer. A Precancerous polyps (adenomas and serrated polyps) could become cancerous; other types of polyps (hyperplastic, inflammatory) do not.

By performing colonoscopies, we can find these precancerous polyps and remove them before they have a chance to transition into a cancer. The development of more than 75-90% of colorectal cancer can be avoided through early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. If people took advantage of screening tests, the vast majority of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented.

This also allows us to determine who needs a closer eye on them than the average population. Instead of colonoscopies every 10 years, some people need colonoscopies every 3-5 years depending on the number and size of polyps that are present.

Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may be recommended as a routine screening test or to evaluate digestive symptoms. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the procedure based on your age, personal medical history, family history, and symptoms.

Adults Who Should Consider Screening:

Adults age 45 and older
Adults with a family history of colorectal cancer
Patients with a history of colon polyps
Individuals with inherited colon cancer syndromes

Patients Experiencing Symptoms:

Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool
Persistent abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic constipation
Iron deficiency anemia
Unexplained weight loss

Patients With Certain Medical Conditions:

Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Previous colorectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease

Most colonoscopies take only 30–60 minutes, and patients typically return home the same day.

A colonoscopy can detect precancerous polyps before they become cancer, making it one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

Most adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Earlier screening may be recommended if you have:

A family history of colorectal cancer

A family history of colon polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
Rectal bleeding
Unexplained anemia
Changes in bowel habits

What to Expect From a Colonoscopy: Before, During & After

If you're scheduled for a colonoscopy, understanding each step of the process can help you feel prepared. Below, we'll walk you through what happens before, during, and after a colonoscopy, including sedation, the procedure itself, recovery, and what happens if polyps are found.

01

Before the Procedure

On the day of your colonoscopy, you'll check in and meet with our care team to review your medical history, medications, and any allergies. After changing into a gown, an IV will be placed so you can receive fluids and sedation during the procedure.

Before you begin, Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles will answer any remaining questions and explain what to expect. You'll then be taken to the procedure room, where you'll be connected to monitors that continuously track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure your safety throughout the exam.

02

During the Colonoscopy

Once you're comfortably sedated, Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles will gently guide a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope through the rectum to examine the lining of the colon. The colonoscope contains a small camera that sends high-definition images to a monitor, allowing your doctor to carefully inspect the entire colon.

If polyps or other abnormal tissue are found, they can often be removed or biopsied during the same procedure without causing additional discomfort. Most colonoscopies take approximately 20–45 minutes, although the exact length depends on your individual findings.

03

After the Procedure

After your colonoscopy, you'll rest in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. Most patients wake up within 30 to 60 minutes and experience little to no discomfort, although mild bloating or gas is common for a short time as the air used during the procedure passes.

Because sedation can affect your reflexes, you'll need someone to drive you home. Before you leave, Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles will review the initial findings with you, explain whether any polyps or biopsies were taken, and discuss any recommended follow-up care. Most people are able to return to their normal diet later that day and resume regular activities the following day unless otherwise instructed.

04

What Happens If Polyps Are Found During Your Colonoscopy?

One of the greatest benefits of a colonoscopy is that it can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. If Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles finds a colon polyp during the procedure, they can often removed it immediately using specialized instruments passed through the colonoscope. This process, called a polypectomy, is painless because you'll already be comfortably sedated.

After removal, the polyp or tissue sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles will review the results with you and determine whether any additional treatment or changes to your future screening schedule are needed. Because many colorectal cancers begin as polyps, removing them before they become cancerous is one of the most effective ways to help prevent colorectal cancer.

How Do I Prepare For a Colonoscopy?

How Do I Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

A successful colonoscopy starts with proper bowel preparation. Following the right diet and prep instructions helps ensure your doctor has the clearest possible view during the procedure.

View Prep Instructions

Prefer a Step-by-Step Video Guide?

Watch our easy-to-follow preparation videos to see exactly what to expect before your procedure, including medication instructions and bowel prep tips.

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What Can I Eat and Drink the Day Before?

Read our colonoscopy preparation instructions provided by our healthcare team for all dietary and drinking guidelines before your procedure.

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Will My Colonoscopy Be Painful?

Most patients report little to no discomfort during a colonoscopy. IV sedation keeps you comfortable, and many people have little or no memory of the procedure.

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Colonoscopy Recovery: What to Expect

Most patients recover quickly after a colonoscopy and return home the same day. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about recovery, including when you can eat, common side effects, understanding your results, and safely returning to your normal routine.

Heading Home

After your colonoscopy, you'll spend about 30–60 minutes in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. Because sedation temporarily affects your judgment and reflexes, you'll need a responsible adult to drive you home.

Plan to take the rest of the day to rest. Avoid driving, operating machinery, signing important documents, drinking alcohol, or making major decisions until the following day.

Most patients are able to eat a light meal within a few hours and gradually return to their normal diet as tolerated. While you may feel sleepy for the remainder of the day, most people feel back to normal by the next morning.

Quick Tips

✓ Have someone drive you home

✓ Rest for the remainder of the day

✓ Start with light foods and plenty of fluids

✓ Resume normal activities the following day unless instructed otherwise

Common Side Effects After a Colonoscopy

It's normal to experience mild bloating, gas, or abdominal cramping after a colonoscopy. These symptoms are usually caused by the air or carbon dioxide used during the procedure and typically improve within a few hours. If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement.

Serious complications are uncommon, but you should contact our office right away if you develop severe abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, fever, chills, persistent vomiting, or dizziness after your procedure. Our care team will review what to expect during recovery and provide instructions before you go home.

Why Trust Queens GI for Your Colonoscopy?

Experienced GI Specialists

Every colonoscopy is performed by Dr. Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles, who take the time to understand your concerns, explain your results, and provide personalized care from your first visit through follow-up.

Patient-First Experience

At Queens GI, you are not a number. Our doctors and care team will walk you through the process and results to ensure you are comfortable and understand each step of the process.

Advanced Technology

Dr. Tenembaum and Dr. Aviles use high-definition technology to examine the colon with exceptional clarity, helping detect abnormalities early and provide accurate diagnoses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Schedule Your Colonoscopy?

Choosing the right gastroenterologist matters. At Queens GI, we're committed to providing safe, high-quality colonoscopy care with a patient-first approach. From your first phone call through recovery, our team is here to answer your questions, explain every step, and make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Schedule your colonoscopy today and take an important step toward protecting your long-term digestive health.

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Call: (718) 396-2005