Colonoscopy in Forest Hills, Queens, NY
Looking for a colonoscopy in Queens? At Gastroenterology & Nutrition P.C., we provide expert colonoscopy screenings in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening and an important tool to diagnose digestive issues. Our Forest Hills clinic has board-certified gastroenterologists with over 15 years of experience serving Queens patients. We understand that the idea of a colonoscopy can be daunting, so we’ve designed every step, from prep to recovery - to be as easy and reassuring as possible for you
What is Colonoscopy and Why Is It Important?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a gastroenterologist uses a flexible camera (colonoscope) to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon). This allows us to detect and remove polyps, identify inflammation or tumors, and catch early signs of colorectal cancer. Why does that matter? Early detection saves lives. Colon cancer usually starts as small polyps; if we find them early during a colonoscopy, we can remove them on the spot, preventing them from turning into cancer. The American Cancer Society now recommends starting routine colonoscopy screenings at age 45 (earlier if you have risk factors like family history). In fact, colonoscopy can reduce the risk of colon cancer by detecting precancerous growths before they cause problems. It’s a safe, routine outpatient procedure and it can be truly life-saving. We emphasize this to encourage our patients not to put off their colonoscopy. After all, a one-day prep and exam every 10 years is a small investment in your long-term health and peace of mind.
Patient Safety
The procedure is non-invasive, requires no sedation, and allows you to go about most of your normal activities during the examination day.
Why Choose Us for Your Colonoscopy?
Choosing a provider for your colonoscopy is important. Here’s why patients in Forest Hills and across Queens trust us:
Experienced, Compassionate Specialists
Our colonoscopies are performed by Dr. Samuel Davidoff and our team of board-certified gastroenterologists. We have decades of combined experience and have successfully performed thousands of procedures, yet we treat every patient with individualized care and attention. You’re never just a number to us.
Comfort-Focused Care
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We use modern sedation techniques (administered by anesthesiology professionals) so you’ll be comfortably asleep during the exam and won’t feel any pain. Nervous about the idea of a colonoscopy?
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our office features an AAAASF-accredited on-site endoscopy suite. This means you can have your colonoscopy right in our Forest Hills location, which meets the highest safety standards (the same as a hospital). Our equipment is modern, and we even utilize high-definition scopes and the latest polyp detection techniques to make sure nothing is missed.
Convenience & Personal Attention
Being a private practice, we offer prompt scheduling including early morning appointments on weekdays and even Sunday morning slots to fit your busy life. Unlike a big hospital or clinic, you’ll consult directly with your GI doctor before and after the colonoscopy. We’ll personally call you with results and next steps. Continuity of care is a hallmark of our practice.
Comprehensive Digestive Health Approach
As our name suggests, we look at the whole picture of gastroenterology and nutrition. If your colonoscopy reveals any issues (like ulcerative colitis or polyps), we’ll not only treat them but also counsel you on diet and preventive care going forward. Our aim is to keep your digestive system healthy for the long run, not just perform a one-time test.
Patient Reviews
See what our patients are saying about us
The Colonoscopy Procedure
A colonoscopy is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient is positioned on the left side and a sedative is administered intravenously.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Many patients are surprised how quick and simple the actual colonoscopy is compared to the prep. Here’s an overview of what will happen on the day of your colonoscopy at our Forest Hills endoscopy suite
Before the Procedure
After check-in, you’ll meet with our nursing team to review your medical history and allergies. You’ll sign a consent form (if you haven’t already) and change into a gown. We’ll start an IV line, through which you’ll receive fluids and later, sedative medication. You’ll also meet your anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, who’ll be monitoring you. In the procedure room, we’ll have you lie on your left side on a comfortable stretcher. We attach small monitors for your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen. Safety is always paramount. Then we administer the sedation medication through the IV, which will make you drift off to sleep within a minute or two.
During the Colonoscopy
Once you’re sedated, the gastroenterologist will gently insert the lubricated colonoscope into the rectum and slowly advance it through the colon. The scope is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light at the end. As we carefully navigate through your colon’s curves, we may put a small amount of air (or carbon dioxide) inside to inflate the colon slightly. This gives us a better view of the colon walls. Don’t worry, you won’t feel this due to sedation (at most, some patients have mild cramping or pressure that they don’t recall later). The camera sends high-definition video to a screen, allowing us to examine every segment of your colon. If we spot any polyps or abnormal tissue, we use miniature instruments passed through the scope to remove them or take biopsies. Polyp removal (polypectomy) is painless and done during the same session. Polyps are cut off using a wire loop or burned off safely, and the tissue is collected for lab analysis. The procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes (it can be a bit longer if multiple polyps are found and removed, or shorter if everything looks normal). Throughout the exam, your vital signs are monitored continuously. Our team will adjust your position gently if needed (sometimes we reposition you to help the scope pass a tricky angle).
After the Procedure
When the colonoscopy is finished, the scope is slowly withdrawn and the exam is complete. We escort you to a recovery area, where you’ll rest as the sedative wears off. Most patients wake up within 5 to 10 minutes after the procedure ends, but can be groggy for about half an hour. You might not even realize the colonoscopy happened. Many people say, “Are we done already?” because the sedation has an amnesia effect. We like to see a smile on your face when you hear it’s all done! In the recovery area, you may feel bloating or cramping; this is normal and simply due to the air introduced into the colon. We encourage you to pass gas - yes, farting is expected! to help relieve the bloating. Nurses will monitor your blood pressure and make sure you’re feeling okay. We’ll also offer you something to drink as you wake up (your throat and mouth might be dry). Once you’re fully awake and our doctor has spoken with you about initial findings, you’ll be discharged to go home with your companion. From check-in to check-out, expect to spend around 2–3 hours at our facility.
Recovery from a Colonoscopy
Recovering from a colonoscopy is usually quick. There’s no incision (everything is internal), so physical recovery mainly involves shaking off the sedation effects. Here’s what to do and expect after you leave
- Heading Home: You must not drive or return to work the same day because of the sedation. Go home and rest. Plan to take the remainder of the day off. Most people feel back to normal by the next morning. You might feel a bit drowsy or unsteady on your feet for a few hours, this is normal. Take it easy and let your body relax. Have a light meal when you feel up to it; start with something gentle on the stomach. You’ve been on clear liquids, so you may be hungry but it’s wise to avoid a heavy, greasy meal as your first meal post-colonoscopy. Resume your normal diet as tolerated.
- Side Effects: It’s common to experience bloating or gas cramps for a few hours due to any remaining air in the colon. This should resolve by the evening. You might also notice a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement post-colonoscopy if a biopsy or polyp removal was done. A few drops on the toilet paper or a slight tinge in the stool is okay. However, call us if you have heavy rectal bleeding (more than a few tablespoons), severe abdominal pain, fever, or dizziness. These symptoms are very rare (<0.5% of cases) but we want to hear from you immediately if they occur. Our staff will provide you with a simple info sheet listing these signs to watch for, though significant complications are rare. Overall, colonoscopy is considered a very safe procedure.
- Results Discussion: Before you go home, Dr. Davidoff (or your GI doctor) will let you know how things looked internally. We will tell you if we found polyps and whether we removed them, or if everything looked healthy. We send any removed polyps or biopsy samples to a pathology lab, those results take about 5-7 days to come back. We will call you with your pathology results as soon as they’re available, and of course, we’ll explain what they mean and if any follow-up is needed. If everything is normal and you have no risk factors, the standard interval for the next colonoscopy is 10 years. If we removed polyps or found something that needs sooner surveillance, we’ll let you know the appropriate follow-up interval (e.g., 3 or 5 years).
- Resuming Activities: Most patients are fully back to routine by the next day. That means you can return to work, exercise, and normal activities within 24 hours. The sedative medications are mostly out of your system after a good night’s sleep. We do advise no alcohol, driving, or signing important documents for at least 24 hours post-procedure, since sedation can linger in subtle ways. Otherwise, focus on rehydrating (drink plenty of fluids to make up for the day before) and eating healthy meals. If we gave you specific post-care instructions (for example, if a large polyp was removed, sometimes we suggest avoiding aspirin/NSAIDs for a day or two), be sure to follow those. We’re always here to answer questions even after the procedure, don’t hesitate to call our office if you’re unsure about anything during your recovery.
Common Questions About Colonoscopy
We understand you may have concerns about your procedure. Here are answers to questions our Forest Hills patients frequently ask.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The colonoscopy procedure itself typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. In some cases for example, if multiple polyps need removal or if there’s a lot of looping in the colon anatomy, it can extend to 40-45 minutes, but that’s less common. You’ll likely spend about 2 to 3 hours total at our center on the day of the exam, which includes registration, pre-procedure preparation, the procedure, and recovery time while the sedation wears off. We ask that you allocate a half-day for the whole process. This is a same-day outpatient procedure, so you go home the very same day, no hospital stay needed.
Will the colonoscopy hurt?
A colonoscopy should not hurt. We perform the procedure under sedation, so you’ll be in a sleep-like state and won’t feel pain or even be aware of the exam itself. Most patients have no memory of the procedure, thanks to the medications. It’s normal to have some abdominal bloating or mild cramping afterward due to the air used during the exam, but this is temporary and resolves as you pass gas. If we removed polyps, you won’t feel that, and there are no nerve endings to sense those tiny internal cuts. You might have a bit of soreness in your anal area from the scope insertion similar to how you’d feel if you had a bout of diarrhea, but even that is generally minor. Overall, patients consistently report that the anticipation was worse than the actual colonoscopy. With modern sedation and gentle technique, a colonoscopy is a pain-free experience.
Where can I get a colonoscopy near me in Queens?
If you’re in Queens, NY and looking for a convenient place to have a colonoscopy, Gastroenterology & Nutrition P.C. in Forest Hills is here for you. Our office is centrally located in Forest Hills (108-16 72nd Ave, just off Queens Blvd and Austin St.), easily accessible by car or subway, making it an ideal choice for patients in Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills Gardens, and surrounding neighborhoods. We offer colonoscopy appointments multiple days a week, including early morning slots so you can get your procedure done and recover by afternoon. At our practice, you’ll have the procedure done by the same doctor who knows your history, not a random on-call physician. This continuity can be comforting. Queens also has larger endoscopy centers and hospital options, but many patients prefer the personalized touch of our private practice. We often hear from patients who searched “colonoscopy near me” that they’re glad they found our smaller, caring office rather than a big hospital. So if you’re in Queens and due for a colonoscopy, consider scheduling with our Forest Hills team for a neighborly, expert care experience.
Even if you’re coming from other NYC boroughs or Long Island, our office is reachable (we’re a short walk from the E/F/M/R subway at Forest Hills–71st Ave and have parking garages nearby). We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule. Bottom line: you don’t have to travel far, high-quality colonoscopy services are available right here near you in Queens.
Ready to Schedule Your Colonoscopy
Taking care of your health is the best gift you can give yourself. If you’ve been putting off a colonoscopy, or if your doctor recommended you get one, don’t wait, early detection is key. Our friendly staff at Gastroenterology & Nutrition P.C. is ready to answer any remaining questions you have and to find an appointment time that works for you. We’ll guide you through each step, from prep instructions to recovery tips, so you feel supported throughout the process.
When you schedule with us, we’ll send you a detailed prep instruction packet and be available to address any concerns during the lead-up to your appointment. Our goal is to make the entire experience from the first phone call to the follow-up after the procedure as smooth and patient-friendly as possible.
Your digestive health is our priority. By choosing us for your colonoscopy in Queens, you’re partnering with a team that is committed to your well-being every step of the way. Call 718-261-0900 today and take the next step toward a healthier future with the premier gastroenterology practice in Forest Hills. We look forward to caring for you!
Schedule Your Appointment
Complete the form below, and our team at 108-16 72nd Ave, Forest Hills will contact you within one business day to confirm your appointment with Dr. Davidoff.