Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Fellow, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Honorary Member, Surgical Section Serbian Medical Association
Dr. Maher Abbas is an American Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon who performs the latest and most advanced procedures to treat conditions affecting the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. He is a leader in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. With over 18,000 operations and procedures experience, he provides state of the art treatment to his patients.
Colonoscopy is a procedure which examines the colon and rectum [Figure 1]. A thin flexible tube (with a tiny video camera at the tip) is advanced through the anus to the first portion of the colon (cecum) [Figure 2]. In some patients, the last portion of the small intestine (terminal ileum) is viewed. Dr. Maher Abbas inspects the entire colon. If needed, a small amount of tissue (biopsy) is obtained. The biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a laboratory doctor using specialized microscopy techniques).
Figure 1 – Colonoscopy
Figure 2 – Colonoscopy by Dr. Maher Abbas
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consider having a colonoscopy:
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for Colorectal Cancer Screening in any patient starting the age of 40 years.
The procedure is explained to you the day you meet Dr. Maher Abbas for the consultation. A cleansing bowel preparation is prescribed. The bowel preparation is done at home the day before the procedure.
The procedure is performed in the endoscopy suite. It takes 20 minutes or longer depending on your condition. It is performed with sedative medications. You do not feel or remember much of the procedure. Dr. Maher Abbas uses state of the art sedation equipment to ensure you have a pleasant experience [Figure 3]. If polyps are encountered, they are removed or biopsied.
A full report and images of the procedure are provided to you with treatment recommendations. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and you go home afterwards. Normal activities are resumed the day after the procedure.
Figure 3 – Target controlled infusion [TCI] technology is used for optimal and safe sedation
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure and Dr. Maher Abbas has performed thousands of endoscopic procedures. Minor risks and side effects include transient dizziness or nausea related to the medications, abdominal bloating and gas. A complication such as bleeding or perforation, a small hole in the colon, is extremely rare.
If you would like to schedule a consultation for colonoscopy with Dr. Maher Abbas, click here.
