Colon Biopsy in Novi, MI

A biopsy is often performed to further examine particular tissues of the body. This type of diagnostic testing is typically used if a patient has shown signs of abnormalities within their tissue, such as a possible presence of cancer or precancerous cells in the body. A colon biopsy is no different in this sense, as it is a procedure commonly used to investigate suspicious tissues within the lower part of the intestine.

What Are the Reasons for a Colon Biopsy?

Not all colon biopsies are ordered on the basis of suspected cancer in the colon. In many cases this type of biopsy is simply used as a routine screening tool to assess the health of a person’s intestinal tissue.

Dr. Kolachalam is likely to recommend a colon biopsy for a patient if they experience:

• Chronic pain in the lower abdomen
• Bloody stools
• Significant, unexplained weight loss
• Dramatic changes in bowel movements
• Recurrent diarrhea

Biopsies Included In Other Exams

In many instances, Dr. Kolachalam may decide to extract a small piece of a patient’s colon if abnormal tissues are identified during a regular colon cancer screening. Rather than putting the patient through another invasive examination, it is often easiest to simply complete the biopsy while they remain under general anesthesia during a colonoscopy or similar diagnostic procedure.

The Preparation Process

Individuals completing a colon biopsy as part of a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy should prepare as they normally would for either of these routine procedures. This involves clearing out the colon so that the tissues and any potential abnormalities are easily visible to your physician.

Patients will be prescribed a type of laxative to be taken in the few days prior to their procedure. This will help to properly cleanse the colon, and so all instructions should be followed diligently for maximum effect and benefit.

Be sure to consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns. It is also best to alert Dr. Kolachalam to any current medications that you are taking as they may alter the results or risks of your colon biopsy. For example, blood thinners should typically be avoided before performing a colon biopsy in order to reduce the patient’s risk of excess bleeding.

What Are the Risks of a Colon Biopsy?

In addition to intestinal bleeding, other potential complications of a colon biopsy include:

• Infection
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Bowel perforation
• Postpolypectomy syndrome
• Failed colonoscopy

All of these risks are quite rare, though patients should consult with their provider about any worries prior to their procedure.

Colon Biopsy Results and Follow-Up Care

Once the questionable tissue has been excised from the patient’s colon, it will be sent to our laboratory facility for further testing. Results are usually available after several days, though these times can vary on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Kolachalam will review the findings of the colon biopsy with the patient, at which time they will be able to fully explain the results and offer their best recommendations for additional treatment if it is necessary.