Colonoscopy in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to closely examine the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. In Grand Rapids, colonoscopies are commonly performed at major healthcare centers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as in outpatient endoscopy centers across Kent County.

Because colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Michigan, colonoscopy is an important screening tool for adults in the Grand Rapids area—especially as they reach age 45 and older or have risk factors.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. This device has:

  • A tiny digital camera
  • A light source
  • Channels that allow air or carbon dioxide to be introduced
  • Tools to remove polyps or take biopsies

During the procedure, a gastroenterologist carefully guides the colonoscope through the rectum and into the colon. The camera sends high-quality images to a monitor, giving a clear, magnified view of the lining of your colon.

Understanding the Colon

The colon, or large bowel, is the last part of your digestive tract. It is:

  • About 1.5 meters (5 feet) long
  • A hollow tube that ends at the rectum and anus

Main Functions of the Colon

  • Stores unabsorbed food before it is eliminated as stool
  • Houses beneficial bacteria (about 2–3 kilograms) that help digest unabsorbed fiber and starch
  • Produces intestinal gases, many of which are reabsorbed and exhaled
  • Creates short-chain fatty acids, which may help protect against colon cancer
  • Reabsorbs water, so only about 100–200 milliliters of liquid remain in the stool

Because of its important role in digestion and overall health, keeping the colon healthy is essential—especially in regions like West Michigan, where diet, lifestyle, and seasonal changes can affect bowel habits.

Why You Might Need a Colonoscopy in Grand Rapids

Screening and Prevention

Colonoscopy is the gold standard test for detecting:

  • Colon polyps – growths on the lining of the colon that can be benign, precancerous, or cancerous
  • Colorectal cancer – early detection greatly improves outcomes

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, guidelines generally recommend:

  • Routine screening starting at age 45 for people at average risk
  • Earlier or more frequent screening if you have:
    • A personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
    • Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
    • Certain genetic conditions

Diagnosing Symptoms

Your Grand Rapids primary care provider or gastroenterologist may recommend a colonoscopy if you have:

  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Blood in the stool (bright red or dark/tarry)
  • Pus or mucus in the stool
  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as:
    • Long-lasting diarrhea
    • Unexplained constipation
    • Narrow stools or feeling of incomplete emptying

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

To get accurate results, your colon must be completely clean so the doctor can see the lining clearly.

Discuss with Your Grand Rapids Doctor

Before the procedure, talk with your doctor about:

  • Any medical conditions, especially heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems
  • Whether you are taking blood thinners, such as:
    • Aspirin
    • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
    • Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • A complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements

Your doctor may adjust or temporarily stop certain medications, especially if you are at risk for bleeding.

Bowel Preparation (“Prep”)

You will be given a bowel preparation kit with detailed instructions. This typically includes:

  • Specific dietary changes for 1–3 days before the procedure
  • A clear liquid diet the day before
  • A liquid solution to drink that causes frequent bowel movements
  • Possibly laxative tablets or other cleansing agents

Common Instructions (May Vary by Facility)

  • Avoid high-fiber foods (e.g., nuts, seeds, raw vegetables) in the days leading up to the test
  • Switch to a clear liquid diet the day before (e.g., clear broth, sports drinks, clear juice without pulp, plain tea or coffee without cream, gelatin)
  • Drink the bowel prep solution exactly as directed
  • Do not eat or drink anything (except the prep solution as instructed) for about 6 hours before the procedure

It is vital to follow the instructions from your Grand Rapids medical team closely. An inadequate prep can mean the colonoscopy has to be repeated.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is usually performed in a dedicated endoscopy unit at a hospital or outpatient center.

Before the Procedure

  • You will change into a hospital gown.
  • A nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm.
  • You will receive medications through the IV to help you feel relaxed and drowsy. Most patients in Grand Rapids receive deep sedation, so:
    • You will be comfortable
    • You should not feel pain
    • You will likely have no memory of the procedure

Because of the sedative medications, you must arrange a ride home. You are not allowed to drive yourself after the procedure.

During the Procedure

  • You will lie on your left side with your knees drawn up toward your chest.
  • The doctor will gently insert the colonoscope through your anus and guide it slowly through the rectum and colon.
  • Air or carbon dioxide is introduced to expand the colon, allowing a better view.
  • Once the scope reaches the beginning of the colon (where it joins the small intestine), the doctor will carefully withdraw the scope, examining the lining in detail.
  • Photographs may be taken of any areas of interest.

The procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, although you will be at the facility longer for preparation and recovery.

Polyp Removal and Biopsies

If the doctor finds polyps during your colonoscopy:

  • They are usually removed immediately using special tools passed through the colonoscope.
  • The removed tissue is sent to a pathology lab (often within the same health system, such as Corewell or Trinity Health) to determine:
    • Whether the polyp is benign
    • Whether it is precancerous
    • Whether it is cancerous

The doctor may also take biopsies (small tissue samples) from any areas that look abnormal, even if they are not polyps.

Possible Bleeding from Polyp Removal

Polyp removal can sometimes cause bleeding. Typically:

  • Mild bleeding is controlled during the procedure using:
    • Small clips
    • Cautery (heat)
    • Other endoscopic methods
  • Rarely, more severe bleeding may require:
    • A repeat colonoscopy
    • Observation in the hospital
    • Blood transfusion

After Your Colonoscopy

You will be moved to a recovery area until the sedation wears off.

Immediately After

You may experience:

  • Mild cramping
  • Bloating or gas
  • A feeling of fullness

These symptoms are caused by the gas used to expand your colon and usually improve within a few hours.

About an hour after you are fully awake:

  • You may be offered a drink and a light snack.
  • Most patients in Grand Rapids can go home after about 4 hours total time at the facility.

At Home in Grand Rapids

  • Rest for the remainder of the day.
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, or sign important documents until the next day because of the lingering effects of sedation.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, as it can interact with the medications used for sedation.
  • Follow any dietary instructions given by your doctor (often you can resume a normal diet the same day, unless told otherwise).

Mild bloating, gas, and slight discomfort are normal. Contact your doctor or seek urgent care if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Persistent or heavy rectal bleeding
  • Fever or chills
  • Dizziness or fainting

In Grand Rapids, you can contact your gastroenterologist’s office, your primary care provider, or visit a local emergency department if you are concerned.

Complications of Colonoscopy (Rare but Serious)

Colonoscopy is generally very safe, especially when performed by experienced gastroenterologists in accredited Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics. However, rare complications can include:

  • Perforation (a tear or puncture in the colon wall)
  • Excessive bleeding, especially after polyp removal
  • Reactions to sedation medications
  • Infection (uncommon)

Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before you consent to the procedure.

Long-Term Outlook After Colonoscopy

Your long-term follow-up plan depends on:

  • Whether polyps were found and removed
  • The size, number, and type of any polyps
  • Your personal and family history of colorectal cancer
  • Other risk factors (such as inflammatory bowel disease)

For many patients in Grand Rapids:

  • If the colonoscopy is normal and you are at average risk, your next screening may be in 10 years.
  • If polyps are found, you may need another colonoscopy in 3–5 years, or sooner depending on the findings.

You will need a follow-up visit or call with your doctor to:

  • Review the pathology results
  • Discuss any additional treatment or surveillance
  • Plan your next screening or follow-up colonoscopy

Alternative Tests to Colonoscopy

There are other tests that can examine the colon, although they may not be as complete or as sensitive as colonoscopy. Your Grand Rapids provider may recommend these in certain situations or use them along with colonoscopy.

CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

  • A special CT scan designed to look at the colon
  • Gas is introduced into the rectum through a small tube to expand the colon
  • A series of CT images are taken and reconstructed into a 3D view
  • Useful if a traditional colonoscopy is incomplete or not possible
  • If polyps or abnormalities are found, a standard colonoscopy is still needed to remove them

CT Scan of the Abdomen

  • A general CT scan can show some abnormalities in the abdomen and pelvis
  • Not as sensitive as colonoscopy or CT colonography for detecting small polyps or early cancers

Sigmoidoscopy

  • Similar to colonoscopy but uses a shorter scope
  • Examines only the rectum and sigmoid colon (the lower part of the colon)
  • May be used for limited evaluation but does not visualize the entire colon

Your gastroenterologist in Grand Rapids will help determine which test is most appropriate based on your symptoms, risk factors, and overall health.

Local Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Resources in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area, you have access to several resources for colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Kent County Health Department – information on cancer screening programs and public health resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – may offer guidance on low-cost or subsidized screenings
  • Cancer Council and Michigan-based cancer organizations ��� educational materials and support services

Ask your primary care physician or gastroenterologist in Grand Rapids for referrals and information about insurance coverage, financial assistance programs, and recommended screening schedules.

Key Points About Colonoscopy

  • The colon stores unabsorbed food and plays a major role in overall digestive health.
  • The colon’s bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which may help prevent colon cancer.
  • Colonoscopy is the most effective test for detecting colon polyps and colorectal cancer.
  • Polyp removal during colonoscopy can prevent cancer but may occasionally cause bleeding.
  • Mild bloating, gas, and cramping after the procedure are common and usually short-lived.
  • In Grand Rapids, multiple high-quality healthcare systems offer colonoscopy and follow-up care, helping residents reduce their risk of colorectal cancer and maintain long-term colon health.