Colonoscopy at Massachusetts General Hospital

Colonoscopy at Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized examination of the colon and rectum to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, detect colorectal abnormalities and perform appropriate therapeutic procedures. Colonoscopy may be used for colorectal cancer screening, investigation of rectal bleeding and bowel changes, evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease, and removal or biopsy of selected abnormalities.

Price

Why Price on Request?

The cost depends on the reason for the procedure, anesthesia or sedation, biopsy or polyp removal, pathology, diagnostic testing and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate can be provided according to the patient's procedure plan.

Complete Description

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows a specialist to examine the lining of the rectum and entire colon using a flexible camera.

It can be used for both diagnosis and treatment of selected gastrointestinal conditions.

Who May Need a Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy may be recommended for:

• Colorectal cancer screening

• Rectal bleeding

• Persistent changes in bowel habits

• Chronic diarrhea

• Unexplained anemia

• Abdominal symptoms

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease

• Follow-up of previously detected polyps

Colonoscopy Consultation

Before the procedure, the care team may review:

• Symptoms

• Medical history

• Previous colonoscopy results

• Medications

• Anticoagulant use

• Previous gastrointestinal conditions

• Family history of colorectal disease

Colonoscopy Preparation

Patients generally receive specific instructions before the procedure to help clean the colon.

Preparation instructions may address:

• Diet

• Bowel-cleansing medication

• Fluid intake

• Medication adjustments when appropriate

Patients should follow the medical team's specific preparation instructions.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy can be used to screen for colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps in appropriate patients.

Screening recommendations depend on factors such as age, personal history and family history.

Polyp Detection

During colonoscopy, specialists can identify abnormal growths known as polyps.

Selected polyps can be removed during the same procedure.

Polyp Removal

A detected polyp may be removed using an appropriate endoscopic technique.

Removed tissue can be sent for pathology evaluation.

Biopsy During Colonoscopy

Small tissue samples may be collected when necessary to investigate:

• Inflammation

• Abnormal tissue

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease

• Other gastrointestinal conditions

Rectal Bleeding Evaluation

Colonoscopy may help investigate unexplained rectal bleeding and identify possible causes within the colon or rectum.

Bowel Habit Changes

Persistent changes such as chronic diarrhea or other significant changes in bowel habits may require colonoscopic evaluation when clinically appropriate.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Evaluation

Colonoscopy may assist in evaluating and monitoring:

• Crohn's disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Intestinal inflammation

• Disease activity

Biopsies may be obtained when appropriate.

Follow-Up Colonoscopy

Patients with previous polyps, colorectal abnormalities or certain gastrointestinal conditions may require follow-up colonoscopy according to their individual medical plan.

Sedation & Patient Comfort

Colonoscopy may be performed with appropriate sedation or anesthesia according to the procedure and patient's clinical needs.

The medical team monitors the patient throughout the procedure.

Advanced Colonoscopic Procedures

Selected patients may require specialized endoscopic techniques for the diagnosis or treatment of complex colorectal abnormalities.

Post-Colonoscopy Care

After the procedure, patients receive instructions regarding:

• Diet

• Activity

• Medications

• Expected symptoms

• Pathology follow-up

• When to contact the medical team

Pathology & Results

If tissue or polyps are removed, specimens may be sent to pathology.

Results can help determine whether further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

Colonoscopy Second Opinion

Patients may seek specialist review of:

• Previous colonoscopy findings

• Pathology reports

• Polyps

• Inflammatory bowel disease findings

• Recommended surveillance intervals

• Treatment recommendations

International Patients

International patients should provide:

• Previous colonoscopy reports

• Endoscopy records

• Pathology results

• Imaging

• Blood test results

• Medication list

• Previous gastrointestinal treatment records

Benefits of Specialized Colonoscopy Care

Specialized colonoscopy services may provide:

• Comprehensive colorectal evaluation

• Cancer screening

• Polyp detection and removal

• Tissue biopsy

• Inflammatory bowel disease assessment

• Follow-up surveillance

• Coordination with pathology and other specialists

Why Choose Massachusetts General Hospital for Colonoscopy?

Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized gastroenterology and endoscopy services for colorectal screening, gastrointestinal diagnosis and selected therapeutic procedures, with access to pathology, imaging and multidisciplinary digestive care when required.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Gastroenterology consultation

• Colonoscopy procedure

• Sedation/anesthesia

• Biopsy

• Polyp removal

• Pathology

• Laboratory testing

• Follow-up consultation

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the planned procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is a colonoscopy performed?

It may be performed for colorectal cancer screening, evaluation of symptoms, detection of polyps and assessment of certain gastrointestinal conditions.

2. Can polyps be removed during colonoscopy?

Yes. Selected polyps can often be removed during the procedure and sent for pathology.

3. Is a biopsy possible during colonoscopy?

Yes. Small tissue samples can be collected when clinically indicated.

4. How long does a colonoscopy take?

The procedure itself is generally completed within a relatively short period, but the total visit can take longer because of preparation, sedation and recovery.

5. How much does a colonoscopy cost?

Price is available on request. Costs depend on the procedure, sedation, biopsies, polyp removal, pathology and other services required.

Product Details

Product Name: Colonoscopy at Massachusetts General Hospital

Hospital: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brand: Massachusetts General Hospital

Country: United States

Specialty: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Service Type: Colonoscopy

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA