Overview
The Colorectal Health Center at Akron General specializes in treating conditions that affect lower portion of the digestive tract, including the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. Our experienced team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, nurses and dietitians provides a comprehensive approach to care. We work hand-in-hand with you, your family and your primary care doctor to ensure that you receive the best care.
In addition to treatment, we also focus on prevention and screenings. Colorectal cancer is the number two cause of cancer deaths in the United States - even though it's one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, if caught early. Unfortunately, most people do not undergo regular screenings, including colonoscopies, which have the ability to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s easier to treat and cure.
Regardless of your condition or reason for visit, our team is here to help answer any questions you may have and to provide the best possible care.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call the Colorectal Health Center at 330.344.2686.
Looking for more information?
Services
Together with your primary care doctor, our specialists will help recommend appropriate screenings and treatment. For a majority of our patients, the first step is to undergo a screening . Colonoscopies can help monitor or screen for a wide variety of digestive conditions and diseases. Also, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if you have experienced unexplained rectal bleeding, constipation, abdominal pain and other intestinal problems. Some of the more common conditions identified by a colonoscopy, include:
Colonoscopy screening process
Patients are comfortably sedated for a colonoscopy, which usually only takes about 30 minutes. Prior to the screening, patients must cleanse the colon completely. Our team will provide instructions that will include modifying your diet, fasting and detailed directions on how to take the laxative. If you have any questions or concerns the morning of your colonoscopy, please call the Endoscopy Department directly at 330.344.6549, as the staff arrives as early as 6:30 a.m.
During a colonoscopy, a physician will examine the entire rectum and colon using a thin, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope. Your doctor will look for any abnormalities, including polyps, which could be pre-cancerous and could lead to colorectal cancer. These polyps can be removed during your procedure using a special instrument. The doctor also can take a biopsy, which is a tissue sample that can be examined further for any traces of cancer or other abnormalities.
Afterward, you will be taken to an area where you can recover from the effects of the anesthesia. Once you are alert, you will be able to go home with a family member or friend (you will not be able to drive after the procedure due to the anesthesia). You can resume your normal activities the next day.
Colonoscopy is the only colorectal cancer screening that allows the doctor to examine the entire colon and is considered the most thorough screening.
Our staff will call you with your screening results a few days after your procedure. Should you need any follow-up care or treatment, we will work with you and your primary care doctor to coordinate.
Appointments
The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Colorectal Health Center is located at Akron General in downtown Akron on the fourth floor of the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) building in suite 492. Parking is available in an attached parking deck.
Colorectal Health Center
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
1 Akron General Ave.
Akron, OH 44307
330.344.2686
Akron General's Colorectal Health Center provides screening colonoscopies. If you or your loved one is over 45 or at an increased risk for colon cancer, it's important talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening colonoscopy.
If you would like to request more information or an appointment, please complete our confidential form and a member of our staff will follow up with you.
