Colonoscopy is among the most informative modalities used in diagnosing conditions affecting the colon. This is done using an instrument known as a colonoscope. The instrument is tubular and has a camera used to capture images that are simultaneously projected to a monitor. The instrument is usually interested through the anal opening and guided slowly through the large intestines. There are some things on colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents need to know.
Several diseases can be effectively diagnosed using this technique. They include, for instance, tumors (both benign and malignant), polyps, ulcers and fissures among others. The typical candidate is one with symptoms related to the colon and the rectum. These include anal bleeding, abdominal pain, frequent constipation and unexplained weight loss among others.
Apart from diagnosis, the procedure is also quite useful as a therapeutic measure. A number of the conditions can be treated as soon as they are visualized. For instance, bleeding ulcers are often exposed to a sclerosing agent that stops the bleeding. Other possible interventions include banding (using special silicon bands) and cauterization. Polyps can also be safely removed using a colonoscope. Tissue specimens are usually obtained from the diseased site and subjected to histological examination.
As is customary for most procedures, you will be required to undergo some form of preparation. The preparation needed is both general and specific. General preparation that applies to any procedure and will include, for instance, having a full blood count. This helps screen for any bleeding disorders that may increase the risk of complications. A more specific form of preparation is what is commonly termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing refers to the removal of fecal material from the colon and the rectum for one reason or the other. This is achieved through laxatives, drugs that increase gut motility. Traditionally, the procedure has been done in one to two days. With the advent of newer laxative drugs, however, the desired effect can be achieved in a shorter period of time (a couple of hours).
There is a need to be on special diet as the cleansing process takes place. The general recommendation is that one should be put on a liquid diet such as tea, coffee, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks should to be avoided as they have the potential of staining the colon and distorting the findings. Bear in mind that due to the increase in gut motility you may have bouts of diarrhea.
The exercise itself takes about 45 minutes on average. General and regional anesthesia are rarely needed as most patient respond well to light sedation. As the scope is inserted through the anal opening, you may experience a bit of discomfort that may persist for a few hours after the procedure. You will be advised to take in a deep breath when the scope is being manipulated in the gut so as to minimize the discomfort.
You will usually be allowed home on the same day except in instances where complications are encountered. There may be a need to monitor for a few complications such as bleeding, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The risk of bleeding is highest among persons with bleeding cancers and ulcers.
Several diseases can be effectively diagnosed using this technique. They include, for instance, tumors (both benign and malignant), polyps, ulcers and fissures among others. The typical candidate is one with symptoms related to the colon and the rectum. These include anal bleeding, abdominal pain, frequent constipation and unexplained weight loss among others.
Apart from diagnosis, the procedure is also quite useful as a therapeutic measure. A number of the conditions can be treated as soon as they are visualized. For instance, bleeding ulcers are often exposed to a sclerosing agent that stops the bleeding. Other possible interventions include banding (using special silicon bands) and cauterization. Polyps can also be safely removed using a colonoscope. Tissue specimens are usually obtained from the diseased site and subjected to histological examination.
As is customary for most procedures, you will be required to undergo some form of preparation. The preparation needed is both general and specific. General preparation that applies to any procedure and will include, for instance, having a full blood count. This helps screen for any bleeding disorders that may increase the risk of complications. A more specific form of preparation is what is commonly termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing refers to the removal of fecal material from the colon and the rectum for one reason or the other. This is achieved through laxatives, drugs that increase gut motility. Traditionally, the procedure has been done in one to two days. With the advent of newer laxative drugs, however, the desired effect can be achieved in a shorter period of time (a couple of hours).
There is a need to be on special diet as the cleansing process takes place. The general recommendation is that one should be put on a liquid diet such as tea, coffee, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks should to be avoided as they have the potential of staining the colon and distorting the findings. Bear in mind that due to the increase in gut motility you may have bouts of diarrhea.
The exercise itself takes about 45 minutes on average. General and regional anesthesia are rarely needed as most patient respond well to light sedation. As the scope is inserted through the anal opening, you may experience a bit of discomfort that may persist for a few hours after the procedure. You will be advised to take in a deep breath when the scope is being manipulated in the gut so as to minimize the discomfort.
You will usually be allowed home on the same day except in instances where complications are encountered. There may be a need to monitor for a few complications such as bleeding, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The risk of bleeding is highest among persons with bleeding cancers and ulcers.
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In order to become better informed about the process of colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents should first review the details online. To learn more about this procedure, simply check out this homepage on http://morriltonsurgery.com.
