Colonoscopy in Wellington, FL

A colonoscopy is one of the most valuable preventive steps an adult can take. It lets your doctor look directly at the lining of the colon and rectum, find polyps, and remove most of them before they can turn into cancer. At Wellington Digestive Institute, Dr. Vikram Tarugu, a gastroenterologist in Wellington, offers colonoscopy for screening and for symptoms. Colonoscopies are performed in our outpatient endoscopy suite at Wellington Digestive Institute. Higher-risk or unstable patients are scheduled at Wellington Regional Medical Center instead, where Dr. Tarugu holds active privileges. We are accepting new patients — call (561) 767-8342 for the earliest available appointment.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum using a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. The tube has a light and a camera at its tip, so your doctor can see the lining of the colon and check for polyps, inflammation, or other changes. If a polyp is found, it can usually be removed during the same procedure. The procedure itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and it is done with sedation so that most patients feel little or no discomfort.

Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

Current guidelines recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45 for most adults at average risk. Screening should begin earlier, or happen more often, if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, or a condition that raises your risk. Learn more about colon cancer screening.

A colonoscopy is also used to investigate symptoms. Contact our office promptly if you notice blood in your stool, rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits, ongoing abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Your doctor can decide whether a colonoscopy is the right next step.

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Good preparation is essential. A clean colon lets Dr. Tarugu see the lining clearly and complete your procedure safely. Your prep is chosen for you individually — Suprep, SuTabs, or a MiraLax-based prep — and our office will tell you which one is yours. Follow the prep instructions for your assigned prep exactly.

The day before your procedure, you will have clear liquids only, all day. Finish the last of your prep at least 2 hours before your arrival time, and have nothing by mouth after that unless our office tells you otherwise. Our office will review your medicines beforehand; blood thinners, diabetes medicines, iron supplements, and GLP-1 weight-loss injections need special instructions, so do not stop any medicine unless we tell you to.

What to Expect on the Day

When you arrive at Wellington Digestive Institute, you will check in and meet the care team. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed for sedation, and you will be monitored throughout the procedure. Once you are sedated, Dr. Tarugu will guide the colonoscope through the colon, examine the lining, and remove any polyps that are found.

After the procedure, you will rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. Most patients feel groggy at first, and some have mild bloating or cramping from air used during the exam — this usually passes quickly. Before you leave, Dr. Tarugu will talk with you about what was found. You must have a driver take you home, and you should rest for the remainder of the day.

Sedation and Recovery

Colonoscopy is performed with sedation or anesthesia, so most patients sleep through the procedure. Afterward, you may feel sleepy or unsteady for a few hours. Rest at home for the rest of the day, and do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions until the next day.

Risks and Safety

Colonoscopy is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. The most common effects are bloating or cramping, which usually settle quickly. Serious problems are uncommon, but they can include bleeding that needs treatment, a tear in the colon wall (perforation), or a reaction to sedation. The exam can also be incomplete if the bowel preparation was not adequate. Call our office promptly for severe abdominal pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or vomiting afterward.

Cost & Insurance

Most colonoscopies are performed in our outpatient endoscopy suite, so there is no hospital facility fee for most patients. If your procedure is scheduled at Wellington Regional Medical Center instead, hospital facility and anesthesia fees apply. Our office will verify your insurance coverage before scheduling and explain any costs you may owe. If you do not have insurance, or if you are paying for your care yourself, you can request a Good Faith Estimate of the expected charges before your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start colonoscopy screening?
For most adults at average risk, screening starts at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, screening may need to start earlier.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?
It depends on what is found and on your history. If your screening colonoscopy is normal and you are at average risk, the next one is often in 10 years.

Where is my colonoscopy performed?
Most colonoscopies are performed in our outpatient ndoscopy suite at Wellington Digestive Institute. Higher-risk or unstable patients are scheduled at Wellington Regional Medical Center instead, where Dr. Vikram Tarugu holds active privileges. Consultations take place at Wellington Digestive Institute or by televisit.

Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Most patients receive sedation or anesthesia and sleep through the procedure. You will be monitored throughout and rest in a recovery area afterward.

Do I need a driver?
Yes. Because of sedation, you must have a responsible adult drive you home after your colonoscopy and stay with you for the rest of the day. You should not drive until the next day.

What prep will I use?
Your prep is chosen for you — Suprep, SuTabs, or a MiraLax-based prep. Our office will tell you which one is yours. Follow the prep instructions for your assigned prep.

What does a colonoscopy cost without insurance?
Most colonoscopies are performed in our outpatient endoscopy suite, so there is no hospital facility fee for most patients. If your procedure is scheduled at Wellington Regional Medical Center instead, hospital facility and anesthesia fees apply. If you do not have insurance, you can request a Good Faith Estimate before your procedure, and our office will verify coverage before scheduling.

How do I schedule a colonoscopy in Wellington?
Call (561) 767-8342. We are accepting new patients — call for the earliest available appointment. We are at 1447 Medical Park Blvd Ste 405, Wellington, FL 33414, open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

Accepting new patients. Call (561) 767-8342 to schedule your colonoscopy in Wellington — or ask about a televisit consultation first. Wellington Digestive Institute, 1447 Medical Park Blvd Ste 405, Wellington, FL 33414. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.