Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer have been diagnosed in the US. With increase in awareness and screenings, this procedure could save at least 30,000 lives each year. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the lining of the lower intestinal tract called the colon, or large intestine. Screening colonoscopies are used preventatively to help find precancerous growths called polyps. These polyps can be benign or malignant and are removed by your doctor to prevent them from turning into cancer. Using a thin, flexible tube called the colonoscope, which has its own lens and light source, the doctor is able to view images on the video monitor. Colonoscopies are a common and very safe procedure.

For more information about this and our other procedures, contact the Oregon Advanced Surgery office at (503) 731-3700.