The primary causes of hemorrhoids are constipation and prolonged sitting. While over-the-counter creams can provide temporary relief, they are not a cure. Dr. Nowain specializes in hemorrhoid banding in Los Angeles, a non-surgical internal hemorrhoid treatment, but he also provides patients effective treatment options for external hemorrhoids too.

If you are seeking treatment, there are several things you can do to get relief. Contact Dr. Nowain at the Center for GI Health today at (310) 657-4444 to find out your options.

Tips About Preventing and Treating Hemorrhoids

Preventative measures can save you from experiencing the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids as well as halt a recurrent episode. Here are 7 things you need to know about preventing and treating hemorrhoids:

1. Stop reading in the bathroom. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, especially on the toilet, can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. Many people read or even take their iPad or smart phone in the bathroom with them. The tip – read elsewhere. It is healthier for you and more hygienic.

2. Use a wet wipe. One simple way to ease the irritation of the inflamed tissue is to use non-scented wet toilet wipes. Do not use any wipes that contain alcohol or fragrances because it will further irritate the skin. If you are experiencing severe discomfort, hold an ice pack or cold compress to the area for a few minutes to reduce the swelling.

3. Sitz bath:. Sit once or twice a day in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes with 6 tablespoons of Epsom salt. Use just enough water to cover the buttocks as this will help keep the area clean and relieve pain as well as itching.

4. When you need to go, don’t hold it. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, go immediately. Waiting and holding your stool can cause a back up that will further increase the pressure on your veins.

5. Increase your fiber. The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft so they pass easily. You can do this by drinking plenty of fluids – including drinking a glass of water when you wake up and then adding fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains throughout the day. Fiber supplements may also be beneficial if you cannot get enough fiber in your diet.

6. Get up and move more often during the day. You can minimize pressure on the anal area by remaining active. The more you move and the less you sit, the more you reduce the the pressure on your anal veins. In addition, staying active will help reduce your weight, which is another contributing factor in the development of hemorrhoids.

7. Seek medical care. When home remedies fail to do the trick or symptoms recur frequently, it is time to consult Dr. Nowain. There are several non-surgical procedures available to treat hemorrhoids, including rubber band ligation, which cuts the hemorrhoid’s blood supply with a tiny rubber band. Consult with Dr. Nowain to find out your non-surgical options. Dr. Ari Nowain is one of the best Los Angeles GI doctors treating hemorrhoids and other related conditions. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and want to explore your internal and external hemorrhoid treatment options in Los Angeles, then call the Center for GI Health at (310) 657-4444.

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Let’s set the record straight regarding some common myths about colonoscopies:

Myth #1: The Prep Will Be Terrible

As part of the process, you have to empty your colon. The most common complaint of the colon prep involves the amount of liquid patients have to drink. While traditionally methods call for a large volume of liquid, newer bowel prep options include lower-volume alternatives. They are equally effective and easier on people who can’t drink a lot of liquid at one time. Remember: the cleaner your colon, the better the physician can detect polyps, which is, after all, why you’re there.

Myth #2: The Procedure Will Hurt

In actuality it shouldn’t. Before the procedure, patients are given a combination of a narcotic and sedative called “conscious sedation.” About 95 percent of patients sleep through the entire procedure and wake up with no memory of the experience. However, if you are still worried about discomfort, talk to Dr. Nowain and he can discuss your colonoscopy and sedation options.

Myth #3: It’s Too Embarrassing

Physicians understand that the procedure can feel intrusive and, because of this, physicians take every measure possible to make your experience private and respectful. Remember that doctors perform thousands of colonoscopies a year and view the colon the same as any other organ. To minimize the embarrassment at the Center for GI Health, you will get to know Dr. Nowain as well as his staff prior to your colonoscopy.

Myth # 4: There Could Be Complications

There is a very low risk of complications during a colonoscopy. In fact, your chance of getting colon cancer in your lifetime is much higher than your chance of experiencing complications from a colonoscopy. It is important to schedule your colonoscopy with a physician who is board certified. This will ensure that your doctor is familiar with the procedure, can perform it safely and successfully as well as be aware of the necessary guidelines that result in little to no complications.

Myth #5: You Don’t Need a Colonoscopy Until You Experience Symptoms

Please don’t wait to schedule your colonoscopy. The majority of curable colon cancers are found in individuals who did not have any pain or other symptoms. After symptoms are present, the cancer has already begun to spread into other organs. These late stage colon cancers have a significantly lower survival rate. The good news is that a colonoscopy helps physicians find polyps before they develop into cancer. Therefore, schedule your first colonoscopy based on these simple guidelines:

• Get you first colon if you’re 50 years old or older.
• If you are African American, you should have colonoscopies beginning at age 45.
• If you are an individual with a family history of colon cancer, you should begin screening 10 years prior to when the youngest relative was diagnosed.
• Lastly, adhere to Dr. Nowain’s instructions as to when you should schedule a repeat colonoscopy.

Talk to Your Los Angeles Gastroenterologist

If it is time to schedule your colonoscopy or you have questions about colonoscopies or colon cancer, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Nowain at (310) 657-4444. You can schedule your appointment today!

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At the Center for GI Health, Beverly Hills GI doctor Dr. Ari Nowain performs an innovative non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment. It’s known as hemorrhoid band ligation. To find out if this is the right treatment for you, contact Dr. Nowain today at (310) 657-4444.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are veins in the lower rectum that become engorged and can be located internally or externally. Most people find it difficult to know the difference between an internal or external hemorrhoid, so the best measure is to have a physical examination in order to determine which type of hemorrhoid is there.

Some are lucky and their hemorrhoids subside without medical intervention. However, with most of the population, treatment is necessary to relieve symptoms and help hemorrhoids resolve. There are several treatment options, beyond surgery, that are available for patients experiencing hemorrhoids.

Treatment for External Hemorrhoids

The treatment for hemorrhoids depends on their location and severity of the hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids are usually a result of blood clots and can resolve on their own. In the event that they persist, Dr. Nowain offers a variety of treatment options, including:

• Prescription-strength creams
• Numbing gels
• Medicated baths to help reduce pain and swelling
• Surgical removal

Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids

For internal hemorrhoids, treatment methods vary from those of external hemorrhoids. Treatment alternatives include:

• Sclerotherapy involves injecting the vein with a solution causing it to collapse. It is common to have recurrences of hemorrhoids with this procedure.
• Surgical hemorrhoidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the hemorrhoid. It is extremely effective but has a painful recovery period that typically lasts two to three weeks after the surgery.
• Hemorrhoid band ligation, a non-surgical procedure where the hemorrhoid is suctioned with a small device, and a rubber band is placed at the end of the hemorrhoid.

Why Banding is the Preferred Method?

This minimally invasive procedure is very effective – with minimal to no pain. With hemorrhoid banding, a small rubber band is gently placed at the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. In two to three days, the banded hemorrhoid will spontaneously fall off without the patient noticing this event. As opposed to surgery, hemorrhoid band ligation is performed above the nerve line where there are little to no pain nerve sensors. Hemorrhoid band ligation can often eliminate the need for surgery and give adequate relief of hemorrhoidal symptoms. While only one column of hemorrhoids can be treated per visit, sometimes leading to multiple visits, banding is cheaper and less painful than surgery.

Banding has a high success rate, reduced rate of complications, and the reduced rate of hemorrhoid reoccurrence among patients. This technique is safer for a number of reasons:

• The instruments used are smaller – making the procedure more comfortable for patients.
• The instruments used are single use and 100% disposable – nearly eliminating the risk of contamination and infection.
• Patients do not undergo anesthesia.

Some additional benefits of the procedure include very minimal recovery time and little to no pain.

Would You Like to Discuss Hemorrhoid Treatment Options?

Dr. Nowain has years of experience in treating hemorrhoids with a quick, in-office, pain-free banding procedure. He is also knowledgeable of alternative treatment options, depending on whether you suffer from internal or external hemorrhoids. If you are tired of dealing with the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, call (310) 657-4444 to schedule an appointment today.

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Colon Cancer Awareness Month, this past March, marked an important time here at the Center for GI Health. Not only did we provide services related to colon health, here at our Los Angeles office, but we honored colon cancer awareness and early prevention.

Prevention and Early Detection: Screening Options

The Center for GI Health is committed year-round to preventative health when it comes to colon cancer. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. If you’re 50 years old or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer is imperative. African Americans should have colonoscopies beginning at age 45. Anyone with a family history of colon cancer should begin screening 10 years prior to when the youngest relative was diagnosed because it could save your life. Here’s how:

• Colorectal cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
• Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.

There are several tests available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Dr. Nowain can help you choose which test or tests is best for you.

• Colonoscopy. As a preferred method of screening, a colonoscopy is a short, 30-minute examination that allows the doctor to visualize the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract called the colon (large intestine). (Frequency: depends on the findings of the original colonoscopy, quality of the colon prep, and family history of colon cancer; typically every 5-10 years but maybe less depending on the above listed factors).
• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), stool test, or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Occult blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer. A positive fecal occult blood test is a red flag that something is wrong. (Frequency: every year)
• Sigmoidoscopy. Although very similar to a colonoscopy, it does not examine the entire length of the colon. It only examines the lower colon (Frequency: every 5 years)

New and Improved Screening: Third Eye® Colonoscopy

Third Eye® colonoscopy uses an advanced device during the colonoscopy procedure to gain a more complete view of the colon lining. Third Eye® colonoscopies use a backward viewing camera, in addition to the forward viewing camera used during a normal colonoscopy. This allows physicians to better detect abnormal growths in the colon, which if not removed, can lead to colorectal cancer. Third Eye® colonoscopies locate as many as 23-25 percent more polyps. For those with a history of polyps, family history, or symptoms, they have a 40 percent increase in polyp detection with this advanced technology.

In Honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Beyond merely talking about it, Dr. Nowain took part in a two-day event called Scopefest, where he along with other doctors and nurses underwent colonoscopies in an effort to raise awareness about colon cancer, lessen anxiety over the preparation process, and encourage people to get screened. During a cocktail event, doctors and nurses enjoyed mixologist-made bowel preparation beverages before undergoing colonoscopies the following morning.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today!

Now that Colon Cancer Awareness Month has come to a close, the need for colorectal cancer screenings does not stop. Colon cancer screening is a year-round affair and you can take part by contacting our Los Angeles office today (310) 657-4444. Remember, regular screenings save lives!

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If any of the following applies to you, then you are more likely to have colon polyps:

• You are over 50.
• Colon polyps or colon cancer runs in your family.
• You have had a personal history of colon polyps in the past.
• You inherited or developed a gene mutation that causes you to develop polyps.
• You smoke tobacco or drink alcohol.
• You eat a diet that is low in fiber and high in fats.

As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Ari Nowain is trained to diagnose and treat conditions, including polyps. Simply call our office at (310) 657-4444 to learn more about screening options available to you.

How Do You Find Polyps?

All colon cancer develops from polyps, however they grow slowly, usually over a period of years. Screening tests play a key role in detecting and removing colon polyps before they become cancerous. These tests can also help find colorectal cancer in its early stages, when you have a good chance of recovery.

Several screening methods exist but it’s important to discuss each option with your doctor.

Colonoscopy

As the recommended method of screening, colonoscopies allow for inspection of the entire colon as well as the removal of polyps when necessary. Additionally, if a polyp is detected during a colonoscopy, the doctor can proceed with a biopsy or removal of the problematic area.

This method uses a long, slender, and flexible tube attached to a video camera and monitor. This lets a doctor inspect the entire colon for polyps and cancer. It is performed under sedation/anesthesia (lighter than general anesthesia but allows you to sleep comfortably during the 20-30 minute duration of the procedure without feeling any pain). During a colonoscopy, samples of any growths can be collected (biopsied), and any precancerous and cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure painlessly.

The New Third Eye® Colonoscopy

Dr. Nowain also performs a more detailed screening procedure known as a Third Eye® colonoscopy, which involves a backward viewing camera that helps Dr. Nowain locate more polyps than he would during a normal colonoscopy. Not only does the Third Eye® colonoscopy offer the forward viewing that standard screenings offer, but it has a backward viewing capability that allows for the ability to see polyps behind the folds and curves of the colon that you would not be able to otherwise.

Third Eye® colonoscopies locate as many as 23 to 25 percent more polyps. That number increases to 40 percent for patients with a history of polyps, a family history of colon cancer, and those with worrisome symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Changes in bowel habits
• Weakness or fatigue
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia

Computerized Tomographic Colonography (CTC)

Also referred to as virtual colonoscopy, this test involves a computerized tomography scan, which obtains images of your colon. Using computer imaging, a radiologist will view the colon and rectum without actually going inside your body. This technique does require a colon prep and does require that air be introduced into the colon during the capturing of these images. Sedation/anesthesia is not used during virtual colonoscopy.

This technology is not as accurate (small polyps may be missed) as a colonoscopy. If polyps are found or if a tissue sample is necessary, you will still need to schedule a colonoscopy to have it biopsied and removed. Furthermore, patients do receive a small amount of radiation exposure as with any CT scan of the body.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Unlike the colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy only allows the doctor to look at the lower third of the colon. A slender, lighted tube is used to examine the first portions of the colon (the rectum, sigmoid colon, and descending colon; approximately the last two feet – 61 centimeters – of your colon to be exact.) Nearly half of all colon cancers are found in this area, but the other half are in the middle portion and right side of the colon, which are not reached during flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Fecal Blood Tests

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is done to look for microscopic amounts of blood in stool. By itself, an FOBT or FIT is not evidence of colon polyps or colon cancer. If a fecal occult blood test is positive for blood in the stool, it is still important to have a colonoscopy to help your doctor find the source of the blood and remove polyps if they are found. This test is designed to detect colon cancer but not designed to detect colon polyps, which may eventually develop into colon cancer.

Tissue Biopsy

During the course of screening (via colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) the doctor may sample tissue from a polyp if found. The tissue is examined to find out if it is the kind of tissue that could become cancer. The results of these biopsies along with your personal and family history of colon cancer are used to determine when the subsequent colonoscopy should be scheduled (typically anywhere from 3-10 years later).

Importance of Colon Cancer Screenings

Colon polyps found in the early stages usually can be removed safely and completely. Due to this fact, everyone should have their colon checked once they reach the age of 50. A select group of individuals should schedule their first colonoscopy before the age of 50, including African Americans – who have a higher risk of developing colon cancer and should be screened by 45. Patients who fall into the categories below should also be screened before 50:

• There’s a history of colon cancer in your family. It is recommended to begin colon cancer screening 10 years before the age at which a first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer. For example, if your father had colon cancer diagnosed at age 45, you and your siblings should have your first colonoscopy when you reach the age of 35.
• You have a bowel disease (or your doctor thinks you may have one) like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• There is a change in your bowel habits.
• You have blood in your stools
• You have anemia or low red blood cell counts
• Another test your doctor ran found something that shouldn’t be in there (like blood or a polyp)

Locating polyps early can prevent the development of cancer. Seems like it’s worth it—doesn’t it? By taking this simple step, you could literally save your life.

Contact Beverly Hills GI Doctor

If you are 50 years old or fall into a high-risk category for cancer, schedule your colonoscopy today. To find out more information or even schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Ari Nowain at the Center for GI Health at (310) 657-4444.

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Dr. Ari Nowain offers hemorrhoid banding, also referred to as “rubber band ligation.” It is a non-surgical procedure that removes internal hemorrhoids with minimal pain and recovery time. To find out if you are candidate for hemorrhoid banding ligation, contact Dr. Nowain’s Beverly Hills gastroenterology office at (310) 657-4444.

What is Banding?

Banding is a quick and painless in-office procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids one at a time. Band ligation is a surgery-free procedure with little recovery time and little to no pain. This is usually a more affordable treatment option in comparison to surgery.

When surgery is not an option for you and topical medications or prescriptions do not do the trick, banding can get rid of hemorrhoids entirely. In addition, generally the hemorrhoids do not come back with maintenance of proper bowel habits.

It’s important to note that this form of treatment is a viable option for internal hemorrhoids. Also, this procedure only treats each hemorrhoid one at a time – due to increased procedure risk if performed on more than one hemorrhoid at a time – it may require multiple appointments (three on average). Additional areas may be treated in two-week intervals. Even though banding is a very safe procedure, it cannot be performed on pregnant women with hemorrhoids.

During the procedure, which takes place in Dr. Nowain’s office, a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. Using a disposable applicator – in this case, the CRS O’Regan system – Dr. Nowain cuts off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply. Patients are able to return to normal activity immediately after the procedure with the exception of lifting heavy objects. After two to three days, the hemorrhoid falls off spontaneously.

What Are the Risks?

Dr. Nowain is a proponent of this method because of the high success rate, reduced rate of complications, and the reduced rate of hemorrhoid reoccurrence among patients. Having performed thousands of banding procedures, Dr. Nowain is very experienced using this treatment method. He has consistently found hemorrhoid band ligation to be an extremely safe and successful procedure for a number of reasons:

• The instruments used are smaller. This makes the procedure more comfortable for patients.
• The instruments used during the procedure are for single use only and 100% disposable. This leads to less risk of contamination and infection.
• Patients do not undergo anesthesia. This is safer for a host of reasons.
• There is a small (less than one percent) risk of bleeding, pain, and infection when only one hemorrhoid is banded at a time. In the uncommon case that any of these complications should occur, they are dealt with immediately with the guidance of Dr. Nowain, who is available to you 24/7.

Need Relief from Hemorrhoids?

If you are tired of the discomfort and pain of hemorrhoids, it is time to find relief. Dr. Ari Nowain, our double board-certified gastroenterologist and internist, can explain the procedure and benefits of banding and get treatment started immediately. Call (310) 657-4444 to rid yourself of hemorrhoids today!

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In a study known as the Burden of Gastrointestinal Disease in the United States: 2012 Update, researchers sought out the most common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, problems, disorders, and diseases that are diagnosed and treated by gastroenterologists and other specialist doctors in the United States. Their findings could help shape the way the healthcare industry looks at GI problems from a clinical sense.

GI Disease Research

Gastrointestinal diseases cause a substantial amount of deaths and healthcare costs in this country, so these researchers set out to deliver statistical analyses of the most recent data. The end goal was to guide research, education, and clinical practice in the field of gastroenterology and, perhaps most importantly, estimate the financial and healthcare burden of GI disease in the country.

“In summary, we present a comprehensive and current estimate of the toll of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in the United States. Payers, policy makers, clinicians, and others interested in resource utilization may use these statistics to better understand evolving disease trends and the best way to meet the challenge of these diseases.”

Led by Anne F. Peery, M.D., of UNC and her colleagues, data was collected on the patterns/causes of a variety of GI disorders and symptoms (as well as other factors like quality of life, work/activity impairments, morbidity and mortality) in the country during 2009 through a variety of sources:

• National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
• National Health and Wellness Survey
• Nationwide Inpatient Sample
• Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
• National Vital Statistics System
• Thompson Reuters MarketScan
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative’s National Endoscopic Database

Conclusion of Study and What It Means for You

The authors of the study first sought out which gastrointestinal problems were causing the most patient visits. Another aspect of the study was to identify any growing trends all with the purpose of helping doctors and the healthcare industry better serve GI patients.

Most Common GI Symptom

According to the results, abdominal pain is the most common gastrointestinal symptom (15.9 million visits) complained of by patients in clinical visits with a doctor. Seemingly everyone has had innocent stomach pain at some point, but not all causes of stomach pain are harmless. Watch out for the following symptoms:

• Abdomen that’s tender to the touch
• An inability to pass stools
• Blood in stools
• Breathing difficulties
• Fever
• Frequent and/or painful urination
• Pain from a recent abdominal injury
• Stomach pain for multiple days
• Vomiting blood or vomiting over a period of several days

Most Common Gastrointestinal Diagnosis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was found to be the most common GI diagnosis with 8.9 million clinical visits. GERD, also called heartburn or acid reflux, occurs when a backward flow of stomach acid comes up through the esophagus. It is normal to experience the condition occasionally, but if you are experiencing heartburn on a regular basis we advise you to contact us to set up a consultation.

Other Study Findings

Researchers also found that patient hospitalizations and deaths doubled for Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection that causes bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most common GI reason for hospitalization was acute pancreatitis, with almost 275,000 hospital discharges. The leading cause of gastrointestinal mortality was colorectal cancer with more than 52,000. This accounts for the more than half of all GI cancers.

As far as procedures, the most common GI procedure performed was the colonoscopy. In 2009, there were 11.5 million colonoscopies (lower endoscopy), 6.9 million upper endoscopies, and 228,000 biliary endoscopies. In total, the cost for outpatient GI endoscopy examinations for the country during the year was $32.4 billion.

Schedule an Appointment With a Gastroenterologist

As you can see, gastrointestinal problems affect a great number of people in the U.S. each year. You don’t need to feel anxious or even embarrassed by these issues. A lot of people dread a colonoscopy appointment, and yet it is the most common GI procedure in the country. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment today.

Ari Nowain, M.D. is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His experience in diagnostic GI procedures and hemorrhoid banding ligation makes him one of the most sought-after gastroenterologists around. If you want your appointment handled by one of the best in the area, contact Dr. Nowain’s office today at (310) 657-4444.

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While the reasons for the increased rate of colon cancer in African Americans are unknown, we do know a few facts:

• According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2011 there were 7,940 new cases of colon cancer in African American men and 8,710 new cases in African American women.
• According to the American Cancer Society, in 2011 there were 3,520 deaths of African American males due to colon cancer and 3,530 deaths of African American females due to colon cancer.

The statistics are higher than white Americans. To date, the racial disparity has widened and now more African American men and women are getting and dying from colorectal cancer.

Factors Increasing Colon Cancer in African Americans

So why is colon cancer so common in the African American population? There are several factors that contribute to this growing trend, but the most important being the lack of regular screenings that ultimately impact the ability to detect these types of cancers early. Prevention and early detection via colonoscopy is still the most important factor in colorectal cancer survival, since the disease is most treatable in its earliest stages, when disease is confined to the colon or rectum.

Here is what we know about the trends as it relates to African Americans and colon cancer screenings:

• As a group, African Americans are not getting screened regularly. This means the population is more likely to have colon cancer detected at a later stage.
• African American mortality rates are not improving at the same rate of other ethnic group diagnosed with colon cancer. For patients with more advanced cancer that has spread to surrounding tissue, white patients have seen a 48.5 percent decrease in deaths, compared with only a 34 percent decrease among blacks. For patients who’s cancer has spread to a distant site, there is a 32.6 percent decrease in deaths for white patients and only a 4.6 percent decrease – almost no improvement at all – among black patients. (~American Cancer Society)

A recent report, spearheaded by the Center for Disease Control, ranks Washington D.C. #1 in the country for the highest rate of colon cancer deaths. In Washington D.C., that makes up for 21.1 per 100,000 deaths in D.C. This ranking stems from two factors: colon cancer is most common in African Americans (and this state has a significant African American population) and people aren’t getting screened. One may ask, what’s the good news then?

Importance of Regular Screenings and Early Detection

The good news is that through regular screenings and early detection, you can improve your chances of detecting the disease when it is treatable. As doctors, we recommend and urge everyone to get a colonoscopy at the age of 50, but that African Americans start screening at 45 and people with a family history should start screening 10 years before the colon cancer was diagnosed. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or age, patients should be evaluated by an experienced gastroenterologist if they develop signs or symptoms of possible colon cancer such as blood in the stools, change in bowel habits, anemia, or unexplained weight loss. Through this single step, you can not only increase your chances of early detection but also increase your chances of survival. We cannot say it enough: screening and early detection is KEY!

To learn more about your screening options or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Nowain at (310) 657- 4444. Dr. Nowain is a double board-certified Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills with expertise in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for digestive disorders.

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At the Center for GI Health, Beverly Hills gastroenterologist Dr. Nowain carefully instructs his colonoscopy patients on the proper way to prepare for the procedure. Without this cooperation from his patients, his colonoscopy exams would simply not be as effective. Read on to find out more about how to do a good colonoscopy prep.

If you would like to schedule a colonoscopy with Dr. Nowain, call (310) 657-4444.

Examples of Bad and Good Colonoscopy Preps

This is how a bad colonoscopy prep looks.

With a bad colonoscopy prep you cannot see half of the colon lumen.

This is an example of a great colonoscopy prep.

See how clearly you can see the colon lumen with a good colonoscopy prep.

How to Achieve a Good Colonoscopy Prep

As surprising as it may sound, most patients think the worst part of getting a colonoscopy is the bowel prep. As a result, our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for our patients by using a low volume preparation. Our patients are given a list of instructions that detail exactly how the colon prep should go. In this blog, we will outline the process for you.

The best way to determine on your own if your bowel prep was done correctly is if your bowel movements only contain a clear, light, or yellowish liquid. You really shouldn’t have any solid or large bowel movements.

The Day Before Your Colonoscopy

The day before your scheduled colonoscopy, you cannot have any solid food. You will be put on a clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to your colonoscopy. With no solid food on the menu until after your colonoscopy, you may consume any of the following:

• Water
• Broth
• Plain coffee (no milk allowed; sugar is okay)
• Tea
• Jell-O®
• Apple, white grape, or white cranberry Juice
• 7-up/Sprite/Ginger Ale

As part of your clear liquid diet, you cannot eat any of the following:

• Solid food
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Eat or drink anything that’s purple or red
• No red or purple Jell-O
• No red juice (i.e. red cranberry juice)

The reason why you cannot drink anything that is red or purple is because those colors look like blood during a colonoscopy. This can make it very difficult for the physician to distinguish between food coloring and blood and would not contribute to a good colonoscopy prep.

Colonoscopy Prep: SUPREP Bowel Prep Kit

In the evening on the night before your colonoscopy appointment (approximately 7 p.m.), you should begin drinking the colon prep drink. Our patients are given SUPREP Bowel Prep Kit to clean the bowel. SUPREP is a laxative designed to cleanse the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults. It is a low-volume bowel preparation that you take as a split-dose regimen.

Here is a simple four-step process for preparing and drinking the bowel prep:

1. Pour a six-ounce container of SUPREP into a mixing container.
2. Add cool drinking water to the 16-ounce line on the mixing container.
3. Drink all the liquid in the container.
4. Drink two more 16-ounce glasses of water over the next hour.

It is very important that you drink the all the liquid between 7 and 8 pm.

A lot of people do not like the way the prep tastes. As a result, some people add lemonade or other clear tasty liquids to make the drink taste better. The downside to this is that now there is more liquid to drink, and sometimes it still isn’t enough to make the prep taste better.

After you drink the bowel prep, you are allowed to continue drinking clear liquids until midnight. However, you cannot have anything to drink after that.

Almost all of our patients tolerate this preparation very well. However, if patients cannot handle the SUPREP, we can make other arrangements. These include pills, laxatives, suppositories, or enemas. The end goal is to have a good colonoscopy prep one way or another.

On the Day of Your Colonoscopy

During your initial office visit, you will be instructed on when to take the second bottle of SUPREP based on the time that your colonoscopy is scheduled. Afterward, you may continue drinking clear liquids; however, do NOT eat or drink ANYTHING for 6 hours prior to your colonoscopy. You will be under anesthesia and sleeping during the colonoscopy, so food in your stomach can be very dangerous during the procedure if you throw up (which is rare). We want to make sure that your stomach is empty.

If you need to take a pill, just take it with a small sip of water. Your doctor will instruct you as to the timing of your other medications, and as always feel free to contact him if you are not sure.

Bad Prep Colonoscopy Preps

A bad colonoscopy prep will result in the following:

• Missed polyps or cancers
• Longer procedure times
• More anesthetics needed because of the longer procedure time
• Need for more frequent interval colonoscopies due to possibility of something being missed.

You don’t want your colonoscopy to be a waste of time, especially not after you’ve spent the previous day eating nothing but clear liquids. Not to mention the fact that it is vital your doctor spots a polyp if it’s there during your examination. Finding colon cancer in its early stages is the key to treating the disease. If you perform a good colonoscopy prep, your doctor will have a great chance to find any polyps that could eventually grow into colon cancer.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of the finest gastroenterologists in Beverly Hills, contact Dr. Ari Nowain today by calling (310) 657-4444 or fill out the online contact form on this website.

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Hi Dr. Nowain, it’s great that you are putting colon cancer awareness out there for people to educate themselves with. My problem is fear, I know that it’s ignorant to be fearful, but after what my Dad went through, I would rather not know if there is something wrong with me, how does one get past that?

This is a very common issue for people: fear. More specifically, it is the fear of the unknown coupled with the old mantra that ignorance is bliss. While that may be a good short-term reprieve from unhappiness, the long-term ramifications of avoiding your family’s history of colon cancer can have dire consequences. If there’s a message that GI doctors want as many people as possible to hear it’s that early detection is key in the fight against colon cancer, and family history plays a significant role in that.

Colon Cancer Facts

Colon cancer is the number two cause of cancer-related death in the United States. That is a very scary statistic. The good news, however, is that doctors can treat colon cancer very easily if it is caught early before it spreads to nearby organs. Our doctors can diagnose this during a colonoscopy or another colon cancer screening test.

Dr. Nowain is seen here performing the colon cancer screening exam known as a colonoscopy.

Ironically, it is actually very rare to find cancer during a colonoscopy. It is more common to find colon polyps, a precancerous tissue that can potentially lead to the development of cancer. The polyps are removed during the procedure to prevent colon cancer from forming.

Why Is Your Family History So Important?

If you have a history of colon cancer (or even colon polyps) in your family, you are at a higher risk of the disease. This is especially true if you have one or more immediate relatives (parents, siblings, or children) with cancer or polyps diagnosed before age 60.

We recommend that anyone with a family history of colon cancer begin their colon cancer screenings 10 years before their family member was diagnosed. That is about how long it takes for a precancerous polyp to turn into full-blown cancer cells that are capable of spreading to nearby organs and creating a life-threatening situation. That’s why it is so important to talk about colon cancer with your family.

For people without a family history of the disease, we recommend having your first colonoscopy at the age of 50. African Americans are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer compared to the rest of the population and should beginning scheduling screenings earlier at the age of 45.

Who Do I Ask About My Family Health History?

The most important people in terms of your risk of developing colon cancer are your immediate family members (parents, siblings, and children). These family members are often referred to as first-degree relatives. You may also be at risk if your non-immediate family members (aunts, uncles, or grandparents) have had colon cancer or polyps. Family members with other types of cancer (stomach and uterus, for instance) could also increase your risk of developing colon cancer, so be sure to find out about that too.

Here’s how your risk can be broken down:

• The more family members with colon cancer, the greater your risk.
• One parent, sibling, or child with colon cancer means twice the risk.
• Two or more first-degree relatives equates to three or four times the risk.
• A relative with colorectal cancer before the age of 45 doubles your risk.

Contact an Experienced GI Doctor

Prevention is vital in the fight against colon cancer. For much of the population, this is not a general concern until their middle ages; however, those with a family history might not have the luxury. So please talk to your family about this disease. It might be scary to think about, but it could very well save the life of you or a family member!

If you wish to talk to an experienced gastroenterologist (GI doctor) about your family history or to even schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy, contact Dr. Ari Nowain today at (310) 657-4444.

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