What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common endoscopic procedure done to examine the large intestine, colon and rectum. Dr. Murrell, a colorectal specialist, will perform a colonoscopy in Los Angeles at his office as a way to diagnose or treat a number of colorectal conditions.

Dr. Murrell on NFL Total AccessSpeaking About Colonoscopies

Dr. Zuri Murrell joins Mike Frierson on NFL Total Access to talk about colorectal cancer and the importance of getting a colonoscopy.

How Is a Colonoscopy Performed?

A colonoscopy is done with a colonoscope, a very thin, flexible endoscopic tool that is used to both examine the colon and rectum and also treat colon and rectal conditions. A small lighted, digital camera lets Dr. Murrell exam every inch of the walls of the colon and rectum.

If needed, forceps, loops, or swabs can be used through the colonoscope device. These small tools can also be used to test and do a biopsy of the areas of the intestinal wall or remove polyps from the colon or rectal area. Typically this is an out patient procedure that Dr. Murrell performs at his Los Angeles office.

Why Choose Dr. Zuri Murrell For a Colonoscopy in Los Angeles?

Dr. Murrell is a world-renowned colorectal surgeon serving West Hollywood, Los Alamitos, Beverly Hills, Long Beach and beyond. His focus is on restoring quality of life for patients struggling with colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids, colitis, and IBS using a minimally invasive surgical approach. Dr. Murrell is board-certified in colorectal surgery and was voted Top Doctor for Colon and Rectal Surgeries in 2015-2020 by his peers in Los Angeles Magazine.

Dr. Murrell takes his time to help patients understand their diagnoses and empowers them with personalized treatment options. As a nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, Dr. Murrell gives back to the community by training colleagues and students at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

These are Dr. Murrell's credentials:

Named to Southern California Super Doctors® 2015-2017
Director of the Colorectal Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai
Double board-certified and one of the surgeons in the west coast specifically trained in minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College
Medical Degree at the University of California, Los Angeles
Top Doctor for Colon and Rectal Surgeries in 2015-2018

Member of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Member of the American Board of Surgery
Member of the American Medical Association
Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery From Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2008
Fellowship in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery from the University of California, Irvine in 2007

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Why Have a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is not only a method for screening the bowel for cancer or determining the cause of stomach pain or diarrhea. It is also a method of cancer prevention. During the procedure Dr. Murrell looks for polyps which are clumps of abnormal tissue that grow on a mucous membrane. Polyps can occur in the nose, uterus as well as in the colon or rectum.

Most polyps are benign but some are precancerous. Removing polyps during a routine colonoscopy prevents them from becoming cancerous which is why this is one cancer that can be prevented by a test. Dr. Murrell is a strong advocate of regular colonoscopy screenings for this reason and provides among the most gentle, thorough colonoscopy Beverly Hills can provide.

Dr. Murrell has treated thousands of patients for colon-rectal conditions. What sets him apart is the care he and his staff take to educate their patients about colonoscopy procedures.

Each of Dr. Murrell’s patients is counseled as to why colonoscopies are vital in screening for an early detection of colon cancers. Symptoms of colon and rectal cancer are often not present until the condition has reached advanced stages. When detected and treated early, the cure rate for colon cancer is 80% or better. For this reason, Dr. Murrell regularly administers one of the most thorough colonoscopies in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills and recommends that patients age 50 and over with normal risk factors for colon cancer get screened on an annual basis.

Patient Testimonial

I was referred to Dr. Murrell by my OB/GYN because I turned 50, so it was time for my colonoscopy! His office got me in for a consultation within a couple of days, and his entire staff was warm and friendly. Dr. Murrell himself was engaging, funny, and a very good listener. I think he's just amazing!! I highly recommend him!

S.A.

Why Being Proactive Is Important

A colonoscopy is done for a number reasons including:

To detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
To determine the cause of rectal bleeding, black, bloody or dark stool, for example due to an anal fissure or hemorrhoids
To examine the cause of chronic diarrhea or long-term abdominal pain
To determine the cause of iron deficiencies
To study the cause of unexplained, sudden weight loss
To examine the colon after abnormal test results from imaging scans such as CT, MRIs or other x-rays
To treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colonoscopies also are a highly useful tool for determining the cause of abdominal pain or other intestinal problems. If you are experiencing any such symptoms Dr. Murrell can perform a colonoscopy in Beverly Hills at his practice and utilizing this technology, he can accurately diagnose and then properly treat your condition.

Dr. Murrell on Fox 11 News

Dr. Murrell on the Importance of Getting a Colonoscopy and Treating Colon Cancer

What Should I Expect Before & During the Colonoscopy Procedure?

Preparing for a colonoscopy may begin a few days before the procedure itself if a special low fiber diet is recommended. This is done to give the colon a chance to eliminate fecal waste. For most patients, a laxative is taken the night before their procedure to eliminate any fecal matter. These steps are vital to determining the condition of the colon and detecting any abnormalities, ranging from polyps and tumors to infected or inflamed areas of tissue.

During the colonoscopy procedure, the patient is sedated and the colonoscope is carefully placed in the colon through the anus and rectum. The camera is then used to view the colon and intestines. When needed, small tools can be deployed through the colonoscope to remove needed tissue samples or polyps for biopsies and further testing. The colonoscopy can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes or longer, depending on the areas that need to be examined.

Colonoscopy–Helping to Prevent Colon Cancer in Los Angeles

A thorough colonoscopy exam by Dr. Murrell can help isolate situations in the colorectal area and provide Dr. Murrell with the information needed to determine proper treatment, helping to preserve the health and comfort of his patients. It may not be the most pleasant test but it could save you from developing cancer. Having the most thorough colonoscopy Los Angeles residents can hope to find is a vital part of an overall cancer prevention strategy.

Colon cancer can develop without showing any symptoms until it is well developed. That is why it is the second cause of cancer-related death in men and women. Advances in colonoscopy equipment and sedation have made the procedure much less disagreeable. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that colon cancer is not present, or that the precancerous polyps have been eliminated is well worth the inconvenience of bowel prep.

For those with a history of colon cancer in the family, it is recommended that screening begin 10 years before the age of discovery in the family member. For those without a family history of cancer, it is currently recommended to start at age 50. However, there is nothing preventing a person from having a colonoscopy earlier than this age which is based on statistics only.

What is the Aftercare Procedure?

After a colonoscopy examination, you may pass gas or feel bloated for a few hours. The air is clearing from your colon. Walking may help relieve discomfort.

Be gentle with your digestive system. Eat and drink items that are easy to digest, such as water and fluid-based foods that also avoid dehydration. Your doctor may also recommend you follow a soft, low-residue diet immediately after the procedure.

If polyps are removed during your colonoscopy, it may take up to a week to fully recover. During your recovery period, avoid activities that will exert you, including lifting anything over five pounds. It is normal to experience some minor rectal bleeding.

Colonoscopy FAQ's

Do you get colonoscopy results immediately?

If the results of a colonoscopy are normal, the doctor will let you know right away. If a biopsy is performed or a polyp is removed, it may take several days to determine the findings. The official lab results will arrive in a few weeks.

Is it better to have a colonoscopy in the morning or afternoon?

According to medical studies, the results may be more accurate when a colonoscopy is performed earlier in the day during the morning hours. While it may be inconvenient to arrive early, the benefits of a clearer diagnosis are undeniable.

Can I go to work the day after a colonoscopy?

Patients will need a friend or family member to drive them home after surgery and assist them for the first 24 hours. No driving or machinery use should occur during this time as the sedation wears off. Patients may feel gassy or bloated temporarily after their procedures, so they may want to wait a day before returning to work for this reason as well.

What happens if they find cancerous polyps during a colonoscopy?

If a polyp is found to be cancerous, the surrounding lymph nodes will also be biopsied to ensure that the cancer has not spread to other regions of the body. Radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended, depending on the specifics of the case.

Can you be left alone after a colonoscopy?

Patients are sedated during a colonoscopy, so afterward, they will be groggy and may lose coordination. It is imperative that a responsible adult accompanies the patient home after their surgery and stays with them for the first 24 hours.

Do colonoscopies hurt?

During the procedure itself, your colonoscopy will not hurt. Most patients cannot feel the tube when it is inside of them, and there is no pain during the post-procedure process.

At what age are colonoscopies unnecessary?

While there's no upper age limit for colon cancer screening, most United States medical organizations agree that the benefits of screening decline after age 75 for most people. Additionally, there's little evidence to support continuing screening after age 85.

Do I have to wait a month for a colonoscopy?

You should have your colonoscopy within ten months, but sooner is better. Waiting that long can increase your chance by up to three times of being diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer.

Is a Colonoscopy Covered by Insurance?

Dr. Murrell is a non contracted provider with all PPO plans. He is in network with Medicare and he is also in network with Tricare Select. Please call to confirm your specific insurance plan.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

Is it time to schedule your colonoscopy? Do you have questions about the procedure? Dr. Murrell performs hundreds of colonoscopy procedures each year and is ready to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at (323) 310-1137 or click here to make an appointment today with one of the top colonoscopy doctors in Los Angeles, Zuri Murrell.