Always Have Your Colonoscopy Performed By a Gastroenterologist
Are you looking for a physician to perform your colonoscopy? Beverly Hills GI specialist Dr. Peyton Berookim, MD, advises patients to seek out a qualified gastroenterologist for this procedure. It’s true that many primary care physicians have basic colonoscopy equipment and occasionally perform GI procedures. However, the most common reason to have this test is to detect or rule out polyps and other early signs of colon cancer. This means accuracy is incredibly important. There is no point in undergoing a colonoscopy if you get a “false negative”. You want to feel truly confident that you have a clean bill of health when your test results come back. If you do have colon cancer, early diagnosis is key because early treatment means you have a very good chance of enjoying a long and healthy life.
GI Doctors Have the Best Track Record
Here are findings from a couple of recent, large-scale studies showing that gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies with the highest accuracy compared to other doctors:
“(Patients seeing a GI specialist) had a 65 percent lower risk of colon cancer death than the un-screened, compared to a 57 percent lower risk after screening by a primary care doctor and a 45 percent lower risk when colonoscopy was done by a surgeon.” (full news release)
“Among those who had their colonoscopies at a hospital, which was the majority (86 percent), those who had their procedures performed by a non-gastroenterologist, e.g., general surgeon, internist or family physician, were at significantly increased risk for developing subsequent colorectal cancer.” (full news release)
Other Reasons a Gastroenterologist May Be the Best Choice
- GI doctors have undergone extensive training in performing colonoscopies and are considered experts in performing endoscopic procedures
- Gastroenterologist perform the highest number of colonoscopies each year (a factor that may lower the risk of rare but serious complications such as perforation)
- Gastroenterology specialists are more likely to have access to modern equipment and use the latest techniques (like the 3rd eye colonoscopy) that increases their ability to detect abnormal tissue
- GI doctors specialize in a variety of different digestive problems.
What if your test results show there is a problem? An experienced GI doctor has the answers you need and can explain test results and treatment options. Gastroenterologists routinely work closely with colo-rectal surgeons before and after surgery. The quality of communication between the doctor who performed your diagnostic colonoscopy and the surgeon who will be operating on your colon is very important. Accurate documentation of the location of lesions helps your surgeon find and remove the abnormal tissue quickly and effectively. Regular follow-up with your gastroenterologist ensures you are properly monitored for recurrence of colon cancer or other problems.
Do you need to schedule a colonoscopy? Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Santa Monica patients are all invited to visit Doctor Peyton Berookim’s offices for their consultation. To speak with our friendly staff and make an appointment, call 310.271.1122.
