Do you need to schedule a colonoscopy?
Early detection of colon cancer and rectal cancer significantly increases survival rates.- A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
- Precancerous polyps can be identified and removed during a colonoscopy.
- If you are 45 years old, or older, have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing symptoms, you should be scheduling a colonoscopy screening.
Get in touch to book an in-rooms colonoscopy with Dr Mare Du Plessis at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town – safe, quick, no hospital admission needed.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
Anyone over the age of 45 should have an initial screening, but those with a family history of colorectal cancer should start screening earlier. If gastrointestinal issues are persistent (up to 6 weeks with no improvement), those symptoms should be investigated. When you next visit your GP, ask if you should go for a colonoscopy, or contact us to find out more or to book a consultation.
What are the symptoms I should be aware of?
Symptoms can include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a change in bowel habit, as well as unexplained weight loss. If you’ve been having these symptoms and putting off going to your doctor about it, contact us to find out more or to book a consultation.
Many people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they vary depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine. Dr Du Plessis recommends screening colonoscopy to detect precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer.
WATCH: SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE
“Persistent or worsening abdominal symptoms should never be ignored,” says Specialist Surgeon Dr. Maré Du Plessis.
Dr. Maré Du Plessis, Specialist General Surgeon at Mediclinic Milnerton,
The welcoming atmosphere of his practice with an experienced, helpful team, makes Dr Mare du Plessis’s colonoscopy suite the clear choice for your colonoscopy screening in Cape Town.
What does a colonoscopy involve?
“A colonoscopy is not just diagnostic – it’s preventative,” says Dr Maré du Plessis. “If we identify precancerous polyps during screening, we can remove them immediately, effectively stopping cancer before it starts.”
WATCH: WHAT IS A COLONOSCOPY
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
The bowel preparation is one of the most important parts of the entire procedure. The purpose is to completely clean the colon so that Dr Du Plessis has a clear view of the bowel lining. A well-prepared bowel gives the best chance of identifying abnormalities accurately and, where appropriate, removing polyps during the same procedure.
The day before the procedure, patients may have breakfast as their only solid meal. After breakfast, they should have clear fluids only for the rest of the day. Patients are prescribed a bowel preparation solution, available from most pharmacies, which is mixed with water and taken according to the practice’s instructions. Further four litres of water should be consumed during the preparation period.
Download our guide to colonoscopy from our Practice Nurse:
Download > Your Colonoscopy, a Patient Guide
What will a colonoscopy cost?
Tanya is our practice manager and she assists patients to navigate medical aid claims for the colonoscopy procedures. Patients with medical aid (and in some instances, gap cover) are usually well covered, but Tanya can assist with a cost estimate based on your specific medical aid.
She says: “Most medical aids in South Africa cover the in-rooms colonoscopy under the in-hospital benefit, despite no hospital admission. The private and comfortable experience, and immediate feedback after the procedure – is why more and more patients are doing their colonoscopies with Dr Du Plessis in his endoscopy suite”
What our patients say:
“I must say, I’ve previously only gone to gastroenterologists for colonoscopies, and I didn’t realise you could see a surgeon for this procedure. Dr. Du Plessis was absolutely fantastic. From start to finish, the experience was professional, efficient, and incredibly well handled. The nurses were attentive and on the ball, and everyone was so kind and friendly, which really put me at ease. The anaesthetist was lovely too, which made the whole process feel calm and reassuring. I would highly recommend Dr. Du Plessis to anyone needing a colonoscopy.”
– Susy De Mendonca
“Dr Du Plessis and his team are phenomenal! From admin, to prep, to the procedure, was a breeze! I was put at ease from the get-go. The post-procedure check in was great, and the coffee and rusk was excellent. Also, shout out to Sister Corne and Dr Kenny for their stellar work.”
– Heather Abrahams
Find out more
Specialist Surgeon
Dr. Maré Du Plessis, MBCHB (UP) MMED Surg (US) FCS (SA)
Mediclinic Milnerton
Suite 169, 1st Floor, Mediclinic Milnerton, Racecourse Road, Milnerton, 7441
P.O Box 61, Plumstead, 7801
Tel: 021 555 1877
Email: milnerton@drduplessis.com
Office Hours:
Mondays - Thursdays: 08h00 – 16h00
Fridays: 08h00 - 13h00
Consultations:
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Surgical Procedures & Endoscopies:
Mondays and Wednesdays
Emergencies: 021 529 9000
Prac.Nr. 0612103