Colonoscopy is a form of endoscopic investigation indicated for diseases and medical conditions that affect the mucosal layer of the rectum and the colon (large intestine). Apart from assessing the extent of disease, the procedure is also used in some cases to provide the required treatment. Examples of conditions which may be diagnosed or managed using this procedure include bleeding lesions (ulcers), cancerous and precancerous lesions and inflammatory lesions among others. There are a number of things related to colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents need to know.
Screening is, without a doubt, the commonest reason as to why this procedure is prescribed. Persons who have a positive history of colonic tumors (especially among first degree relatives), should have the procedure performed regularly. This will provide an opportunity to make timely interventions in case precancerous lesions exist. If suspicious lesions are encountered, tissue specimens are taken to be studied further by a pathologist.
The procedure is a bit invasive with potential complications which requires that one prepares adequately. Cleaning the colon (colon prep) is the most important part at this stage. Traditionally this has been done by administering laxatives for one or two days and remaining on a liquid diet for the same duration of time. The practice has been changing, however, with the introduction of more effective laxatives that can be administered the night before the procedure.
The recommended liquids include coffee, tea, gelatin, water and clear juices. Avoid purple, pink or red colored drinks such as red wine and grape juice. Since these colored drinks can stain the colon, they have the potential to interfere with the findings. While on the liquid diet, you are likely to have an increase in your bowel movements which will make you experience regular pangs of hunger and may also give you diarrhea.
The doctor will take a history and examine you just as happens with all medical conditions. Some of the information that will be sought includes your drug history such as your use of blood thinners and aspirin. These drugs increase the risk of bleeding and should be stopped about two weeks before you have the colonoscopy. Cigarette smoking has a similar risk and should be stopped as well.
You will be under sedation during the test, so as to minimize the associated pain and discomfort. The entry of the scope through the rectum and colon results in bowel movements. There may be abdominal cramping as well in some people. Taking deep breaths usually relaxes the abdominal muscles and thus helps to reduce the discomfort.
The entire exercise takes about an hour. Complicated cases may last a little longer. For a majority of centers, the investigation is done as a day case in an outpatient center or endoscopy unit. The only time that you have to spend at the facility is that required for the sedative to wear off. Adequate re-hydration is needed to replace the fluids lost during the preparation.
Colonoscopy is used both for diagnosis and treatment depending on the condition in question. The procedure is largely safe if the colon is normal. The rare side effects that may be encountered are fairly easy to control. One should remember that the number of investigations needed tend to vary depending on the condition. A number of cases may need follow up to establish whether they are progressing.
Screening is, without a doubt, the commonest reason as to why this procedure is prescribed. Persons who have a positive history of colonic tumors (especially among first degree relatives), should have the procedure performed regularly. This will provide an opportunity to make timely interventions in case precancerous lesions exist. If suspicious lesions are encountered, tissue specimens are taken to be studied further by a pathologist.
The procedure is a bit invasive with potential complications which requires that one prepares adequately. Cleaning the colon (colon prep) is the most important part at this stage. Traditionally this has been done by administering laxatives for one or two days and remaining on a liquid diet for the same duration of time. The practice has been changing, however, with the introduction of more effective laxatives that can be administered the night before the procedure.
The recommended liquids include coffee, tea, gelatin, water and clear juices. Avoid purple, pink or red colored drinks such as red wine and grape juice. Since these colored drinks can stain the colon, they have the potential to interfere with the findings. While on the liquid diet, you are likely to have an increase in your bowel movements which will make you experience regular pangs of hunger and may also give you diarrhea.
The doctor will take a history and examine you just as happens with all medical conditions. Some of the information that will be sought includes your drug history such as your use of blood thinners and aspirin. These drugs increase the risk of bleeding and should be stopped about two weeks before you have the colonoscopy. Cigarette smoking has a similar risk and should be stopped as well.
You will be under sedation during the test, so as to minimize the associated pain and discomfort. The entry of the scope through the rectum and colon results in bowel movements. There may be abdominal cramping as well in some people. Taking deep breaths usually relaxes the abdominal muscles and thus helps to reduce the discomfort.
The entire exercise takes about an hour. Complicated cases may last a little longer. For a majority of centers, the investigation is done as a day case in an outpatient center or endoscopy unit. The only time that you have to spend at the facility is that required for the sedative to wear off. Adequate re-hydration is needed to replace the fluids lost during the preparation.
Colonoscopy is used both for diagnosis and treatment depending on the condition in question. The procedure is largely safe if the colon is normal. The rare side effects that may be encountered are fairly easy to control. One should remember that the number of investigations needed tend to vary depending on the condition. A number of cases may need follow up to establish whether they are progressing.
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