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Colonoscopy and Colorectal Polyp Screening — Prevention, Detection, and Peace of Mind

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — because the polyps that become cancer can be found and removed before they ever cause symptoms. Dr. Karmina Choi performs screening and diagnostic colonoscopy in Fort Lee, NJ, giving patients access to fellowship-trained colorectal expertise for their most important preventive care.

COLORECTAL AND SCREENING

Expert Colorectal Care | Fort Lee, NJ

Schedule a colonoscopy

Common questions

45

the recommended age to start screening for average-risk adults — earlier for high-risk individuals

Same

procedure finds and removes polyps — diagnosis and prevention in one visit

90%+

of colorectal cancers are preventable with regular screening and polyp removal

Why colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States — yet it is also one of the most preventable, because the precancerous growths (polyps) that develop into cancer are detectable and removable years before they become malignant. Colonoscopy is the only screening test that both detects and removes polyps in the same procedure — providing prevention, not just early detection.

Unlike stool-based tests (which can miss polyps and require a follow-up colonoscopy if positive), a colonoscopy directly visualizes the entire colon, identifies and removes polyps in real time, and provides a surveillance interval based on what was found. A normal colonoscopy typically means no further testing for ten years.

Who should be screened - and when

Average risk

Personal history

Start at age 45

Adults with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should begin screening at age 45 per current USPSTF and ACS guidelines. Repeat every 10 years if the colonoscopy is normal.

Start earlier - at 40 or 10 years before diagnosis

If a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, screening should begin at age 40 — or 10 years before their diagnosis age, whichever comes first. Repeat every 5 years.

More frequent surveillance

Prior polyps — particularly advanced adenomas — require surveillance at 1, 3, or 5-year intervals depending on polyp type, size, and number. Dr. Choi recommends your next colonoscopy interval based on what was found at your last procedure.

High-risk annual or biennial surveillance

Patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), or FAP require specialized surveillance protocols beginning earlier and occurring more frequently.

Family history

IBD / Lynch Syndrome

What are colorectal polyps?

Low risk

Higher risk

Hyperplastic polyps

Small, non-cancerous polyps — particularly in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Do not become cancer. Usually require no change in surveillance interval.

Tubular adenomas

The most common precancerous polyp type. Small tubular adenomas have low malignant potential. Removal and surveillance at appropriate intervals is curative.

Villous / tubulovillous adenomas

Higher rate of malignant transformation than tubular adenomas — particularly larger ones. Require complete removal and shorter surveillance intervals.

Serrated polyps

Sessile serrated adenomas and traditional serrated adenomas carry significant cancer risk — and can be missed on colonoscopy more easily than conventional adenomas. Dr. Choi's thorough technique prioritizes detection of these flat lesions.

Elevated risk

Moderate risk

Colorectal polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most are benign — but certain types, if left in place, will progressively develop mutations and become cancer over years to decades. Removing polyps eliminates this risk entirely.

Not all polyps are the same. The type, size, and number of polyps found at colonoscopy determines your cancer risk and your recommended surveillance interval.

What to expect — the colonoscopy process

Bowel preparation (the day before)

A liquid diet and laxative preparation clears the colon so every surface can be visualized clearly. The quality of the preparation directly affects the quality of the examination — Dr. Choi's team provides clear, practical prep instructions tailored to minimize discomfort while maximizing visualization. A high-quality preparation is the single most important factor in a thorough colonoscopy..

The procedure (30-45 minutes)

Performed under moderate sedation (twilight anesthesia) — you will be comfortable and relaxed, with no memory of the procedure in most cases. The colonoscope is gently passed through the entire colon, with careful examination on withdrawal. Any polyps found are removed at the same time using biopsy forceps, snare cautery, or endoscopic mucosal resection for larger lesions.

Recovery (30-60 minutes)

You rest in the recovery area until the sedation has cleared — typically 30–60 minutes. You will need a driver, as sedation temporarily affects coordination and judgment. Most patients feel completely normal within a few hours and return to their regular diet that day.

Results and next steps

Dr. Choi reviews findings with you immediately after the procedure. Any removed tissue is sent for pathological analysis. Results of the biopsy are communicated within one to two weeks, and Dr. Choi recommends your next surveillance interval based on the complete pathological picture — not just visual impression.

Symptoms that warrant a diagnostic colonoscopy — regardless of age

Not ready for colonoscopy? Stool-based alternatives are available.

For patients who prefer to delay colonoscopy or for whom procedural risk is elevated, stool-based tests — including fecal immunochemical test (FIT), fecal DNA testing (Cologuard), and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) — provide meaningful screening with no preparation or sedation required. Dr. Choi discusses the advantages and limitations of each option so patients can make an informed choice. A positive result on any stool-based test requires follow-up colonoscopy.

Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

Persistent abdominal pain or cramping

Unexplained change in bowel habits lasting more than 4 weeks

Narrow or pencil-thin stools

Unexplained weight loss

Iron deficiency anemia without a clear cause

Why choose Dr. Karmina Choi?

Fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon

Colonoscopy performed by a specialist with the highest level of training in colorectal anatomy, polyp detection, and complex endoscopic resection.

Thorough polyp detection

Adenoma detection rate — the primary quality metric for colonoscopy — reflects the diligence of the examination. Specialist colorectal surgeons consistently achieve high ADR benchmarks.

Personalized surveillance intervals

Your next colonoscopy interval is based on your actual pathology results — not a generic protocol.

Polypectomy in the same procedure

Polyps found are removed at the same colonoscopy — no separate procedure, no return visit required for straightforward resection

Convenient location

Fort Lee, NJ — easily accessible from Bergen County, Manhattan, and surrounding areas

Prompt scheduling

Colonoscopy scheduling available for both routine screening and urgent diagnostic indications — no long waits for patients with concerning symptoms.

Common Questions

Is the bowel preparation really that bad?

Modern bowel preparations have improved dramatically compared to older formulations. Lower-volume split-dose preparations — taken partly the evening before and partly the morning of the procedure — are much better tolerated than older single-dose protocols. The preparation itself is the most commonly cited reason patients delay colonoscopy, but most patients find it more manageable than anticipated. Dr. Choi's team provides clear guidance on making the process as comfortable as possible.

Will I be awake during the colonoscopy?

No — colonoscopy is performed under moderate (conscious) sedation, which produces deep relaxation and typically eliminates any memory of the procedure. You will be monitored throughout by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. The procedure is well-tolerated, and most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experienced.

What happens if a polyp is found?

Polyps found during colonoscopy are removed at the same procedure in most cases — using a variety of techniques depending on size and type. Removed tissue is sent for pathological analysis, and results are communicated within one to two weeks. The pathology report — not just the visual appearance — determines your cancer risk category and your recommended surveillance interval. Dr. Choi reviews these findings with you directly and recommends when your next colonoscopy should be.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The procedure itself typically takes 20–45 minutes depending on colon length, the quality of preparation, and whether polyps are found and removed. Including preparation, sedation administration, the procedure, and recovery, plan to be at the facility for approximately two to three hours total. You will need someone to drive you home.

Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?

Screening colonoscopy — for patients of appropriate age and risk level without symptoms — is covered at no out-of-pocket cost under the Affordable Care Act for most insurance plans, including Medicare. Diagnostic colonoscopy (for patients with symptoms or those returning for surveillance) may involve cost-sharing. Dr. Choi's office verifies your coverage and answers insurance questions before scheduling.

Related conditions

Rectal bleeding

Anal cancer

Ulcerative colitis

Colon and rectal cancer

Proctitis

Crohn's disease

Due for a colonoscopy? Don't put it off.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when polyps are found and removed early. Dr. Choi is scheduling new patients now — average risk, high risk, and diagnostic.

Book an Appointment

Call (551) 321-1388

1625 Anderson Avenue, Suite 203, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Please consult Dr. Choi for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.

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Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

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