A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the colon (large intestine) while you are asleep to look for and remove lesions. It has been available in the United States for over 50 years and has significantly advanced during that time. It is performed Monday through Friday at our gastroenterology clinic in San Antonio, TX.

When you arrive for your colonoscopy, our endoscopy nursing team will check you in, review your medical history, and place an IV to help make you comfortable during the procedure. You will then meet with the anesthesiology provider to discuss your sedation. Afterward, Dr. Havranek will review the procedure with you and answer any last-minute questions. The entire process takes about 20-30 minutes.

Once in the endoscopy suite, you will receive medication through your IV to make you sleepy and comfortable. You will be awake enough to breathe on your own but sleepy enough not to feel any discomfort during the exam. While you are asleep, Dr. Havranek will pass the colonoscope (a small, thin tube) along the inside of your colon until it reaches the small intestine on the other side (about 5-6 feet). Any polyps encountered will be removed at this time.

The procedure itself takes about 20-30 minutes, after which you will be taken to the recovery room to wake up gradually. Once you are awake (approximately 30-60 minutes later), Dr. Havranek will review the results of your exam with you before you go home, and you will receive a copy of the report for your records.