Question 1

What is a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine) using a thin, flexible tube and a camera. It is primarily used to screen for colon cancer, detect polyps, and diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or unexplained digestive symptoms.

Question 2

How long does a colonoscopy take​?

Accepted Answer

A colonoscopy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. However, you should plan to be at the facility for at least two to three hours to allow time for check-in, preparation, and recovery from sedation.

Question 3

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Proper preparation is key to a successful colonoscopy. This includes adjusting your diet a few days before and taking a prescribed bowel preparation (laxative) to cleanse your colon thoroughly. Your doctor will provide additional instructions based on your medical history and needs.

Question 4

What can you not eat five days before a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Five days before your colonoscopy, you should avoid high-fiber foods such as raw vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and tough meats. These can be harder to fully clear from the colon. Your doctor may provide a detailed diet plan, typically switching to low-fiber foods and a clear liquid diet before the procedure.

Question 5

Does a colonoscopy hurt?

Accepted Answer

A colonoscopy is not painful; most patients receive sedation to ensure comfort. Some may experience mild bloating or cramping afterward due to the air used to inflate the colon during the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly.

Question 6

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

During a colonoscopy, a sedated patient lies on their side while a gastroenterologist inserts a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) into the rectum. The colonoscope has a small camera that transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the colon for abnormalities. If polyps or suspicious tissue are found, they can be removed or biopsied. The process generally takes less than an hour, and patients recover briefly before going home.

Question 7

What is HemWell™?

Accepted Answer

A nonsurgical, FDA-registered treatment for internal hemorrhoids, HemWell™ uses a gentle electrical current to target the hemorrhoid tissue to promote healing and reduce inflammation, often without anesthesia, incisions, or downtime. It’s an effective, in-office solution for patients experiencing rectal bleeding, itching, or discomfort from hemorrhoids.

Question 8

Is HemWell™ painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients report little to no pain during or after the HemWell™ procedure. The treatment is quick and well-tolerated, and there's no need for sedation or anesthesia. Unlike traditional hemorrhoid procedures, HemWell™ is designed to minimize discomfort both during the procedure and throughout recovery.

Question 9

Is the procedure safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HemWell™ is a safe, FDA-registered procedure with a strong track record of success. It’s performed in-office by trained gastroenterologists and requires no cutting, cauterizing, or suturing. Because it’s minimally invasive, the risk of complications is extremely low compared to surgical hemorrhoid treatments.

Question 10

Does the procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most patients find the HemWell™ procedure to be virtually painless. You may feel slight warmth or pressure during the treatment, but it’s typically mild and brief. Most patients can resume their day immediately following the appointment.

Question 11

How many HemWell™ procedures are necessary?

Accepted Answer

The number of treatments needed depends on the severity and number of hemorrhoids. While some patients see relief after just one session, others may benefit from several treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Your NYGA provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and response to the procedure.

Question 12

How soon can I return to my normal activities?

Accepted Answer

One of the benefits of HemWell™ is that there’s no downtime. Most patients return to work, exercise, and regular activities immediately after the procedure. Mild symptoms such as temporary rectal pressure or slight irritation may occur but typically resolve quickly without the need for medication.

Question 13

Where is HemWell™ hemorrhoid treatment offered in NYC?

Accepted Answer

At NYGA, we proudly offer HemWell™ as a modern, minimally invasive option for treating internal hemorrhoids. Our expert team provides compassionate, discreet care in a comfortable office setting—no surgery, downtime, or hassle.

Question 14

What is an intestinal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize the small and large intestines in real time. It allows gastroenterologists to assess inflammation, wall thickness, and blood flow in the bowel without radiation or invasive procedures. It’s commonly used to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Question 15

What happens during an intestinal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is comfortable and straightforward. You’ll lie on an exam table while a water-based gel is applied to your abdomen. A handheld probe (called a transducer) is gently moved over the area to capture images of your intestines. There are no needles, no sedation, and no recovery time required.

Question 16

What conditions can intestinal ultrasound detect?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal ultrasound is beneficial in evaluating inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It can detect bowel wall thickening, increased blood flow (a sign of inflammation), and other signs of active disease. It’s also helpful in monitoring treatment response over time and may help identify complications such as strictures or abscesses.

Question 17

How long does the procedure take?

Accepted Answer

An intestinal ultrasound usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. It’s performed right in the office and doesn’t require special preparation or recovery time, making it a convenient option for ongoing care and disease monitoring.

Question 18

What are the benefits of an intestinal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Intestinal ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive, and radiation-free way to assess bowel inflammation and monitor IBD activity. It delivers real-time results, requires no sedation or prep, and can be repeated regularly, making it ideal for diagnosis and ongoing disease management.

Question 19

How do I know if I should get an intestinal ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or are experiencing ongoing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, an intestinal ultrasound may help evaluate your condition. Your NYGA provider will determine whether this test is appropriate based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment goals.

Question 20

Where can I get an intestinal ultrasound in NYC

Accepted Answer

NYGA is one of the few gastroenterology practices in the region offering intestinal ultrasound as part of our advanced IBD care. Our skilled team uses this cutting-edge technology to provide accurate, real-time assessments without sedation, radiation, or lengthy prep, all from our 5th Avenue location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What You Should Know

Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

How long does a colonoscopy take​?

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

What can you not eat five days before a colonoscopy?

Does a colonoscopy hurt?

What happens during a colonoscopy?

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Can a flexible sigmoidoscopy detect cancer?

How painful is a flexible sigmoidoscopy without sedation?

Can I eat before a flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Do you need a bowel prep for a sigmoidoscopy?

Why would you have a sigmoidoscopy instead of a colonoscopy?

Hemwell™

What is HemWell™?

Is HemWell™ painful?

Is the procedure safe?

Does the procedure hurt?

How many HemWell™ procedures are necessary?

How soon can I return to my normal activities?

Where is HemWell™ hemorrhoid treatment offered in NYC?

Infusion Therapy for IBD

What is infusion therapy?

How do you know if infusion therapy is right for you?

What are the benefits of infusion therapy for IBD?

How long does infusion therapy take?

How do I know if I should get infusion therapy?

Does insurance cover infusion therapy?

Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS)

What is an intestinal ultrasound?

What happens during an intestinal ultrasound?

What conditions can intestinal ultrasound detect?

How long does the intestinal ultrasound take?

What are the benefits of an intestinal ultrasound?

How do I know if I should get an intestinal ultrasound?

Where can I get an intestinal ultrasound in NYC?

Upper Endoscopy

What is an upper endoscopy?

What does an upper endoscopy show?

How long does an upper endoscopy take?

Will I be asleep during upper endoscopy?

What are the benefits of getting an upper endoscopy?

How do I prepare for an upper endoscopy?

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