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Monica Borkar

Bio

Phone: 1-866-730-5757

Dr. Monica Borkar is a board certified gastroenterologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem. She completed her internship and residency at Boston Medical Center, as well as a fellowship at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. She is a Clincial Assistant Professor for the Univeristy of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Her expertise is in barret's esophagus, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Gastroenterology:
    New Device May Show Doctors More of the Colon

    SATURDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- A new device that gives doctors a better view during colonoscopies may help them miss fewer suspicious growths during those exams, a new study shows.

    Colonoscopies are the recommended screening tests for colorectal cancer, which is the second leading c...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Gastroenterology:
    Study Links Coffee to Lower Risk for Rare Liver Disease

    SATURDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests.

    Investigators from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found that drinkin...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Gastroenterology:
    Simponi Approved for Ulcerative Colitis

    WEDNESDAY, May 15 (HealthDay News) -- Simponi (golimumab) injection has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

    The drug is designed to block tumor necrosis factor, which has a key role in causing abnormal inflamma...Full Article

  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What causes polyps in the colon?
    We think the major cause of polyp formation is genetic. After that, eating high fiber and the smallest amount of red meat can protect the colon from polyp formation.
     Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How often should I have a colonoscopy?
    If polyps are found and removed during the colonoscopy, your physician may have you follow up in 3 to 5 years for surveillance as the presence of polyps predisposes you to the formation of new polyps. Biopsy results take about one week to come back. If no polyps are found and you do not have...  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How curable is colon cancer?
    If found early, colon cancer has a survival rate of more than 90% over a five-year period of time.
     Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    Do colon polyps always turn into cancer if not removed?
    Polyps tend to grow slowly over time and do not always result in cancer. That being said, however, the chance of cancer formation increases as the polyp increases in size. This is why we remove polyps at the time of colonoscopy.
     Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How does my parent's colon cancer affect my and my children's risk?
    It is a very good idea to be proactive about your health. I would recommend having a colonoscopy at age 40 and, if no polyps are found, then every five years afterward. Your children do not have a higher risk of developing cancer.  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How soon after a colonoscopy can I eat?
    You can eat in the recovery room after a colonoscopy as long as your abdomen feels comfortable and you have passed air. Upon discharge from the GI lab, you can eat whatever you want!
     Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    Can a colonoscopy detect prostate cancer?
    Just prior to the colonoscopy, after you have been sedated, the gastroenterologist performs a rectal examination, just like the one your regular doctor does in the office. Sometimes, we are able to feel any irregularity in the prostate, but the colonoscopy itself cannot detect prostate cancer....  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What lifestyle habits can decrease my risk of colon cancer?
    Eating a healthy, low-fat, high-fiber diet is the best thing you can do to prevent the development of polyps and colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle including cardiac activity 30 to 40 minutes four to five times a week can help, too. You can prevent colon cancer by not smoking...  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How much pain will I feel during my colonoscopy?
    We primarily use conscious sedation, or "twilight," for colonoscopy. Most people tolerate this extremely well and have little to no discomfort during and after the procedure, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
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  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    What is the risk of perforation during a colonoscopy?
    There is a risk of a perforation, or a hole in the colon, during colonoscopy, and this is approximately 1 in 2,000. The risk increases slightly if the physician feels that a maneuver (such as biopsy or polyp removal) is needed or if there is existing disease (such as colitis, or inflammation...  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How effective is a colonoscopy at finding polyps and cancer?
    Gastroenterologists vary in terms of technique and accuracy in detecting polyps and cancer. That being said, detection rates for both polyps as well as cancers are extremely high. These numbers increase as the withdrawal time, meaning the time it takes for a physician to inspect the walls...  Full Post
  • Monica Borkar
    Monica Borkar of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:
    How can I lower the risk of perforation during a colonoscopy?
    The way to lower your risk is to make sure that the colon is adequately cleansed of fecal material. Small perforations usually seal themselves off and are followed with close observation in the hospital. Larger perforations may require surgery and removal of the injured bowel.
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