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What To Know About Morrilton AR Colonoscopy

By Pamela Bailey


Colonoscopy is a method that doctors use to observe the inside of the lining of the large intestine. The equipment used to do the test is referred to as a colonoscope. A colonoscope is a tube that is thin and flexible. The tube varies in length between 125-183 centimeters. A small video camera is connected to one end of the tube for capturing images of the large intestine. Morrilton AR colonoscopy experts are worth considering because they are highly experienced and trained.

Pictures and videos are taken by the colonoscope. The pictures are of the lower portion of the small intestines and the entire colon. Segmoidoscopy is closely related to colonoscopy and these two are usually used in combination in most cases. However, segmoidoscopy is limited to taking pictures of the rectum and lower section of the colon only.

The colonoscope must be inserted slowly so that one does not feel any discomfort. The large intestine is often opened up by air pumped into it. It is easier and better to work with the colon when it is open so that better images can be captured. There is cable connecting the colonoscope to a TV screen where the images get displayed.

Typically, it takes around 30 minutes to perform the test. Most people prefer to sleep during the process, which requires administration of a sedative or medication. One may need some help getting home after testing, which makes it advisable to bring a friend during the test. The doctor often sets the time interval for having the test. Unless one has higher chance of colon cancer, a ten year interval is not badly off.

This procedure is done to make diagnosis of several kinds of medical conditions. For starters, it is used to find the presence of tumors, ulcers, colon polyps, and areas of inflammation or bleeding in the colon. The process may involve taking a biopsy of the large intestine and removal of abnormal growths. It can be used to check for precancerous growths and colon or rectal cancer.

This test can also check the cause of various events such as diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, rectal bleeding, and dark or black stool. Sometimes, diagnostic tests such as barium anema, MRI, CT scan, stool test, and virtual colonoscopy produce abnormal results, and this procedure needs to be used to verify the cause. Inflammatory bowel disease is also watched and treated using this method as a test.

The colon needs to be cleaned out first before the test is performed. This process is called colon prep. There are different types of colon prep and different doctors prescribe different methods. However, the process takes 2-3 days. Some preps can be undertaken in the evening prior to testing.

Some people often find the prep to be worse than the actual test. Bowel prep is even worse because it is uncomfortable. People often feel a lot of hunger because they have to maintain a clear liquid diet. It is typical to use the bathroom frequently during a prep. As such, one should make an effort to be close to one at all times.




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