Colonoscopy in Ahmedabad - Colorectal Examination and Cancer Screening at EPIC Hospital
Colonoscopy is one of the most important investigations in gastroenterology – and one of the most underutilised in Gujarat. It is both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic one: the same procedure that identifies a colorectal polyp can remove it in the same sitting, potentially preventing a cancer that would otherwise have developed years later. For patients with rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, or a family history of colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is not a procedure to put off.
At EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, colonoscopy is performed by experienced gastroenterologists using high-definition equipment in a dedicated endoscopy suite, with conscious sedation for patient comfort and a systematic approach to mucosal examination that maximises the likelihood of detecting significant lesions.
Patients from across Ahmedabad – including those living near Satellite, Bopal, Bodakdev, Prahlad Nagar, and along the SG Highway – as well as from Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot come to EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad for colonoscopy because they want the procedure done properly, not just done.
When Is Colonoscopy Needed – Indications at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool: Fresh rectal bleeding or blood mixed with stool requires colonoscopy to exclude colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and anorectal causes. In patients over 45, or in those with associated symptoms such as weight loss or altered bowel habit, the threshold for colonoscopy should be low. At EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad, we do not assume haemorrhoids are the cause without proper investigation.
- Colorectal cancer screening: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in India and is increasingly prevalent in Gujarat. Colonoscopy is the gold standard screening test – it can detect pre-cancerous polyps and remove them before they become malignant. At EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, we recommend screening colonoscopy starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, and earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
- Change in bowel habits: Persistent unexplained diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habit lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks warrants colonoscopy to exclude organic causes including IBD, colorectal cancer, microscopic colitis, and functional disorders.
- IBD diagnosis and surveillance: Colonoscopy with multiple biopsies is the definitive investigation for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis require periodic surveillance colonoscopy to screen for dysplasia and colorectal cancer.
- Polyp surveillance: Patients who have had colorectal polyps removed require follow-up colonoscopy at intervals determined by polyp histology, number, and size. Our gastroenterologists at EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad follow the updated European and British polyp surveillance guidelines to ensure appropriate follow-up intervals.
- Investigation of iron deficiency anaemia: Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia in adults – particularly in men and post-menopausal women – requires both upper and lower GI endoscopy to exclude occult GI blood loss, even in the absence of overt bleeding symptoms.
- Abnormal CT findings: CT scans that identify colorectal wall thickening, unexplained colonic masses, or incidental findings in the colon require colonoscopic correlation and biopsy for definitive characterisation.
What Colonoscopy at EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad Actually Involves – Before, During, and After
The colonoscopy preparation – the bowel cleansing process the day before – is the part patients find most unpleasant, and it is also the part that most affects the quality of the examination. A poorly prepared colon means the gastroenterologist cannot see the mucosal surface clearly, lesions can be missed, and the procedure may need to be repeated. At EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, our preparation instructions are specific, evidence-based, and given well in advance – because a good preparation is as important as a good endoscopist.
On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to confirm your preparation quality and complete a brief pre-procedure assessment. A cannula is placed for sedation, and most patients receive a combination of midazolam and fentanyl – producing a relaxed, comfortable state where most patients doze and remember little of the procedure. The colonoscope is introduced through the rectum and advanced to the caecum – the beginning of the large bowel – with careful inspection of the mucosa during both insertion and the slower, methodical withdrawal phase.
The withdrawal phase is where quality matters most. A colonoscopist who spends at least 6 minutes withdrawing the scope, systematically examining all mucosal folds and the colon’s flexures, will detect more adenomas than one who rushes. At EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad, we apply the minimum withdrawal time and fold inspection standards that evidence associates with higher adenoma detection rates – because the goal is not simply to complete the examination, but to find what needs to be found.
If polyps are identified during colonoscopy at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, they are removed in the same sitting using the appropriate technique for the size and morphology of the lesion. You will not need to book a separate return procedure for polypectomy. Removed tissue is sent for histological analysis and the results are communicated to you within a specified timeframe, with clear guidance on what the histology means for your follow-up interval.
Know Your Signs
Stomach/Abdominal Pain
Heartburn
Loss of appetite
Blood in stools
Blood vomiting
Diarrhea (acute & chronic)
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Difficulty in swallowing
Emergency Services
Our dedicated emergency team is available 24/7 to provide immediate medical care and support in critical situations.
Get In Touch
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Find Best Gastroenterologist Hospital in Ahmedabad
Highly Experienced doctors
Multidisciplinary Team of Experts
High-definition Ultrasound & CT scans
Biopsy Services
Dedicated Endoscopy theatre with IITV
24 X 7 pH and Manometry facility in Ahmedabad
Our Team of Expert Gastroenterologist
Talks By Our Expert Gastroenterology Doctors
Gallbladder Stone Surgery – Dr. Bharat Shah
Successful Gallbladder Removal Surgery at Epic Hospital, Ahmedabad By Dr. Bharat Shah
Happy Patient testimonial about Gallbladder Surgery by Dr. Bharat Shah, Epic Hospital, Ahmedabad
Our Patient Testimonial Gastroenterology
Gallbladder Stone Surgery – Dr. Bharat Shah
Successful Gallbladder Removal Surgery at Epic Hospital, Ahmedabad By Dr. Bharat Shah
Happy Patient testimonial about Gallbladder Surgery by Dr. Bharat Shah, Epic Hospital, Ahmedabad
Blogs By Our Expert Gastroenterologist
Frequently Asked Questions - Colonoscopy in Ahmedabad
What is colonoscopy and what is it used for?
Colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible camera is passed through the rectum to examine the entire large bowel (colon). It is used for colorectal cancer screening, investigation of rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, iron deficiency anaemia, and IBD diagnosis and surveillance. Polyps found during colonoscopy can be removed in the same sitting.
Is colonoscopy painful at EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort with conscious sedation. Some cramping may occur during air insufflation as the scope navigates the colon’s bends, but this resolves quickly. EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, uses appropriate sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout. For anxious patients, deeper sedation or monitored anaesthesia care is available.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy in Ahmedabad?
Preparation for colonoscopy at EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad involves a low–residue diet for 1 to 2 days before the procedure, followed by a bowel preparation solution taken the evening before or split between the evening before and the morning of the procedure. Our team provides detailed written instructions in advance. Good preparation is critical to the quality of the examination.
How long does a colonoscopy take at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital?
The colonoscopy itself typically takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on colon anatomy and whether polypectomy is performed. Including preparation, sedation, the procedure, and recovery, plan for 2 to 3 hours at EPIC Hospital Ahmedabad. You will need someone to accompany you home, as sedation affects driving ability for the rest of the day.
At what age should I have a colonoscopy for cancer screening?
For average–risk individuals, colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer is recommended from age 45. For those with a first–degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 60, screening should begin 10 years before the relative’s age at diagnosis. Patients with IBD or a personal history of polyps have specific surveillance intervals determined by their gastroenterologist.
Can polyps be removed during colonoscopy at EPIC Hospital?
Yes. Polyps identified during colonoscopy at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, are removed in the same sitting using appropriate polypectomy techniques. Small polyps (under 5mm) are typically removed with cold snare or cold forceps. Larger polyps may require hot snare polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection. All removed tissue is sent for histology.
What are the risks of colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is generally safe. The main risks are perforation (less than 1 in 1,000 for diagnostic colonoscopy), post–polypectomy bleeding (1 to 2 percent following polypectomy), and rare sedation–related adverse effects. At EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, procedures are performed with appropriate pre–procedure assessment and monitoring, and our team manages complications promptly when they occur.
What is the cost of colonoscopy in Ahmedabad at EPIC Hospital?
Colonoscopy cost at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, varies depending on whether it is diagnostic only or includes polypectomy, biopsies, or other therapeutic interventions. The cost includes the procedure, sedation, equipment, and histology fees for any specimens taken. Please contact our patient services team for a current cost breakdown. Insurance is accepted for most colonoscopy indications.
Colonoscopy in Ahmedabad – EPIC Multispecialty Hospital
Colonoscopy at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, is not just a procedure – it is a properly conducted examination by an experienced gastroenterologist, with the preparation, technique, and reporting that make the difference between finding a significant lesion and missing it.
Book your colonoscopy online, call EPIC Multispecialty Hospital Ahmedabad today, WhatsApp your referral or previous investigation reports for review, or visit us directly – and get a colonoscopy that is done properly.