Mercy Gastroenterologist Dr. Richard Desi Discusses Easier Prep for Colonoscopy
November 20, 2017
Getting a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer. But many people avoid the procedure because the prep they have to do the day before to clean out their colon can be unpleasant.
According to gastroenterologist Dr. Richard Desi of The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease with Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, that's no longer an excuse, because the preps have gotten much better.
"There have been a lot of innovations into doing smaller-volume preps. Also, in the flavor of it as well. People remember drinking a lot of nasty fluid, but nowadays, we have smaller volumes to drink and it actually tastes a lot better. So the prep is not as bad as it was," Dr. Desi said.
A colonoscopy can reveal polyps that should be removed, because over time they can develop into cancer.
Dr. Desi recommends a colonoscopy for those over the age of 50, and for black patients the age is 45.
To view Dr. Richard Desi’s interview regarding colonoscopy prep, click here.
About Mercy
Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.
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