Richard Schaller, Colorectal Surgeon Discusses The Importance Of A Colonoscopy
Andrew Salciunas speaks with Dr. Richard Schaller, Colorectal Surgeon at Virtua Health about colons and colonoscopies.
You can schedule a Colonoscopy by calling 888-Virtua3, or on the web Virtua.org/colon.
There’s been a lot in the news around colon cancer in recent years – Chad Bosman passed away from it in 2020. Then last year, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney helped raise awareness about colon cancer by filming their colonoscopy experience
Signs or symptoms of colon cancer we should be aware of:
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- Colorectal cancer doesn’t always show symptoms, but common signs that something is wrong include:
- Sudden and consistent change in bowel movements
- Unexplained anemia
- Rectal pain and bleeding
- It’s important to stay up-to-date on your screenings
Everyone shouldhave a colonoscopy
- Regardless if you’re experiencing digestive issues or not
- Colonoscopy is the only screening that can prevent colorectal cancer (Cologuard, FIT, etc. that can help detect as well)
- Allows your doctor to examine entire colon and remove polyps
- New age recommendation is 45 or older (used to be 50)
- Fast-track: if you’re over 45 and healthy, you can skip the office visit
If someone needs surgery, what are some of the benefits of having this done robotically?
- Can treat colorectal cancer, non-cancerous growths, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease through small incisions in your abdomen
- Causes less trauma to the body
- Promotes faster healing, less pain, reduced blood loss, less scarring, and a lower risk of infections
- More than half are discharged from the hospital without narcotic pain medications – can manage pain using OTC medications
Virtua Health
Virtua Health’s mission is to help people be well, get well, and stay well, by providing high-quality, compassionate care and promoting wellness through education and community outreach programs.
If you live or work in South Jersey, exceptional care is all around. Theirmedical and surgical experts are among the best in the country. They are a Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report and have received multiple awards for quality, safety, and outstanding work environment.
There are five hospitals, seven emergency departments, seven urgent care centers, and more than 280 other locations. They also have life-changing resources and health services including their Eat Well food access program, telehealth, home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, paramedic programs, and convenient online scheduling. Virtua Health is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neurosciences, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
