Colonoscopy
The gold standard for colon cancer screening. Dr. Maher personally performs every colonoscopy, reviews your results the same day, and ensures nothing gets missed.
Dr. Maher Performs Every Scope
No fellows. No hand-offs. Ever.
Same-Day Results
He reviews findings with you before you leave
Direct Access Program
Skip the consultation for eligible patients
Why Colonoscopy Is Still the Gold Standard
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, because it almost always starts as a small, removable growth called a polyp.
A colonoscopy is the only screening method that lets your doctor both find and remove polyps during the same procedure. Other tests can detect signs that something may be wrong. A colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer by removing the problem before it develops.
That is why every major medical organization, including the American Cancer Society, recommends colonoscopy as the preferred screening tool.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Your screening timeline depends on your age, family history, and prior results.
Routine Screening
Current guidelines recommend all adults begin colon cancer screening at age 45, regardless of symptoms or family history. If your first colonoscopy is normal, you typically repeat it every 10 years.
Family History
If a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with colon cancer or precancerous polyps, you may need to start at age 40 — or 10 years before your relative's diagnosis age, whichever comes first. Dr. Maher will determine the right timeline.
Prior Polyps
If polyps were found on a previous colonoscopy, your next one will be scheduled sooner — typically 3 to 5 years depending on the size, number, and type of polyps removed. This surveillance schedule is critical for preventing cancer.
Symptoms
Rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, chronic abdominal pain, or iron-deficiency anemia may prompt a colonoscopy regardless of your age. Symptoms should never be ignored.
What to Expect on Procedure Day
From check-in to results — here is exactly what happens.
Check-In
Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled time. Our team verifies your information, reviews your medical history, and answers any remaining questions. You will change into a gown and have an IV placed for sedation.
Sedation
You will receive light IV sedation that keeps you comfortable and relaxed. Most patients fall asleep within moments and do not remember the procedure. You will not feel pain.
The Procedure
Dr. Maher guides a thin, flexible scope with a high-definition camera through your colon, examining the entire lining on a monitor. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes. If he finds polyps, he removes them on the spot. Tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis.
Recovery and Results
You will rest for 20 to 30 minutes as sedation wears off. Before you leave, Dr. Maher sits down with you and explains exactly what he found. Biopsy results arrive within a few business days and our office will contact you directly.
One Doctor. Your Colonoscopy. Your Results.
At many practices, you schedule with one doctor, the procedure is performed by whoever is available that day, and your results come from someone you have never met. That does not happen here.
Dr. Maher sees you at your consultation, performs your colonoscopy himself, and explains your results personally before you leave.
How Colonoscopy Compares to Other Options
Not all colon cancer screening methods are created equal. Here is what each option can and cannot do.
Cologuard
FIT Test
Virtual Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
Good preparation is the foundation of a good exam. A clean colon lets Dr. Maher see everything clearly and reduces the chance of anything being missed.
Prep involves adjusting your diet in the days before, drinking a prescribed bowel prep solution, and fasting the morning of your appointment. It is more manageable than most patients expect — especially with the right tips.
- Dietary adjustments in the days leading up to the procedure
- Prescribed bowel prep solution taken the evening before
- Clear liquid diet and fasting the morning of your appointment
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation
We have created a complete, step-by-step preparation guide with timelines, diet instructions, a clear liquid guide, and practical tips for getting through prep day comfortably.
View Full Preparation Instructions →Skip the Office Visit With Direct Access
Qualifying patients can schedule their screening colonoscopy without a separate consultation appointment.
If you are 45 or older, in generally good health, and due for a routine screening colonoscopy, you may qualify to skip the consultation visit entirely. Dr. Maher created this program to remove barriers and get more patients screened faster.
No Extra Co-Pay
Lower your out-of-pocket costs
No Extra Trip
Go straight from referral to procedure
Same Doctor
Dr. Maher performs every procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about pain, timing, insurance, Cologuard vs. colonoscopy, and what to expect from Dr. Maher's process.
Schedule Your Colonoscopy
Is a colonoscopy painful?
How long does a colonoscopy take?
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
Is a colonoscopy better than Cologuard?
Will my insurance cover a screening colonoscopy?
Do I need a referral?
Can Dr. Maher do a colonoscopy and endoscopy on the same day?
View colonoscopy preparation instructions →
Will Dr. Maher personally perform my colonoscopy?
Colon Cancer Is Preventable. Get Screened.
If you are 45 or older and have not had a colonoscopy, now is the time. If you are overdue for your next one, do not put it off any longer. Schedule with Dr. Maher today.
Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Fri 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
19255 Park Row #104, Houston, TX 77084