Among the most important procedures that have to be performed when an individual is diagnosed with a condition affecting the large intestine is colonoscopy. The procedure is performed by inserting a special instrument called a colonoscope through the anal opening and directing through the large intestines. This instrument is fitted with a camera that captures the images in the region and transmits them to a screen. There are several thing on colonoscopy Conway AR patients need to know.
A number of varied conditions can be diagnosed using this procedure. Tumors (both malignant and benign) are the commonest finding. Other conditions that are also quite common include enlarged prostate glands in men, polyps and bleeding ulcers (associated with inflammatory bowel disease). A typical candidate is an individual with a history of bleeding from the rectum. It is recommended that men above the age of 40 should undergo regular examination.
Apart from being useful in making diagnoses, colonoscopy is also important in therapy. When bleeding ulcers are seen, for instance, sclerosing chemicals can be applied to the region to minimize the bleeding. Another alternative is to use electric current to directly close the bleeding vessels. This is known as cauterization. In cases where tumors are suspected, tissue specimens are obtained and later subjected to examination.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleanse is a procedure that involves the removal of fecal matter from the large intestine and the colon prior to the performance of the procedure. This is done by taking laxative drugs that increase the emptying rate of your gate for two to three days. Newer against that can clean the gut in a matter of hours are now commercially available.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
The colonoscopy procedure typically takes 45 minutes as long as complications do not occur. Light sedation is needed to relieve discomfort and a bit of pain but general anesthesia is not necessary. Taking deep breaths at intervals also goes a long into relieving the discomfort. Wind may be passed as the scope is maneuvered into the intestine. There is no need to be embarrassed.
You will be allowed home on the same day unless complications set in or if the sedation takes too long. Some centers retain patients for up to 24 hours to allow for observation. Some of the complications that may be encountered include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and rectal bleeding.
A number of varied conditions can be diagnosed using this procedure. Tumors (both malignant and benign) are the commonest finding. Other conditions that are also quite common include enlarged prostate glands in men, polyps and bleeding ulcers (associated with inflammatory bowel disease). A typical candidate is an individual with a history of bleeding from the rectum. It is recommended that men above the age of 40 should undergo regular examination.
Apart from being useful in making diagnoses, colonoscopy is also important in therapy. When bleeding ulcers are seen, for instance, sclerosing chemicals can be applied to the region to minimize the bleeding. Another alternative is to use electric current to directly close the bleeding vessels. This is known as cauterization. In cases where tumors are suspected, tissue specimens are obtained and later subjected to examination.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleanse is a procedure that involves the removal of fecal matter from the large intestine and the colon prior to the performance of the procedure. This is done by taking laxative drugs that increase the emptying rate of your gate for two to three days. Newer against that can clean the gut in a matter of hours are now commercially available.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
The colonoscopy procedure typically takes 45 minutes as long as complications do not occur. Light sedation is needed to relieve discomfort and a bit of pain but general anesthesia is not necessary. Taking deep breaths at intervals also goes a long into relieving the discomfort. Wind may be passed as the scope is maneuvered into the intestine. There is no need to be embarrassed.
You will be allowed home on the same day unless complications set in or if the sedation takes too long. Some centers retain patients for up to 24 hours to allow for observation. Some of the complications that may be encountered include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and rectal bleeding.
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To undergo colonoscopy Conway AR patients should read more about this procedure online. Here is the website that contains further info at http://morriltonsurgery.com.
