Colonoscopy is one of the most important investigations used in gastrointestinal system disease. Diseases for which the procedure is used include suspected tumors, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and polyps among others. The main piece of equipment used here is the colonoscope. For some of these conditions, the procedure may actually be used as a therapeutic intervention. Before undergoing colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.
The commonest reason as to why doctors recommend this procedure is screening for cancers and precancerous conditions. Persons that are at the greatest risk are those that have a positive family history especially in a first degree relative. The colonoscope is used to obtain specimens of suspicious tissues and these are later subjected to histological examination by a pathologist.
Since it is a fairly invasive procedure, there is a need for adequate preparation. Part of it entails cleaning the colon (also referred to as colon prep). This is a procedure that is typically carried out in 24 to 48 hours. Laxatives are usually administered at this time and one is required to be strictly on liquid diet. A number of laxatives that can achieve the required results in just a few hours have been introduced to the market.
The general recommendations for the liquid diet include water, coffee, tea, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks, wine and grape juice should be avoided as they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the colon (and hence the interpretation of the test). Note that the liquid diet is likely to increase your bowel movements which will make you hungrier. You may also experience a bout of diarrhea.
The doctor will need your medical history and they will also conduct a physical examination on you to have an idea of what your problem is. They will also be interested in finding out whether you are taking any drugs that are likely to increase your risk of bleeding. Such may include blood thinners or aspirin. Such drugs should ideally be stopped about two weeks before the procedure.
Sedation is usually used to minimize the discomfort that is associated with the insertion of the colonoscope. The presence of the colonoscope in the large intestine stimulates bowel movement and passage of flatus. There may be a bit of abdominal cramping as well but this lasts for just a few minutes. Taking a deep breath helps minimize this cramping.
On average, the procedure takes about one hour except when it gets complicated. In most places, it is offered as a day case which means that you can go home on the same day that the procedure is carried out. You may be required to spend a few hours at the facility as the sedation wears off. Once you are released from hospital make a point of re-hydrating yourself adequately.
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.
The commonest reason as to why doctors recommend this procedure is screening for cancers and precancerous conditions. Persons that are at the greatest risk are those that have a positive family history especially in a first degree relative. The colonoscope is used to obtain specimens of suspicious tissues and these are later subjected to histological examination by a pathologist.
Since it is a fairly invasive procedure, there is a need for adequate preparation. Part of it entails cleaning the colon (also referred to as colon prep). This is a procedure that is typically carried out in 24 to 48 hours. Laxatives are usually administered at this time and one is required to be strictly on liquid diet. A number of laxatives that can achieve the required results in just a few hours have been introduced to the market.
The general recommendations for the liquid diet include water, coffee, tea, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks, wine and grape juice should be avoided as they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the colon (and hence the interpretation of the test). Note that the liquid diet is likely to increase your bowel movements which will make you hungrier. You may also experience a bout of diarrhea.
The doctor will need your medical history and they will also conduct a physical examination on you to have an idea of what your problem is. They will also be interested in finding out whether you are taking any drugs that are likely to increase your risk of bleeding. Such may include blood thinners or aspirin. Such drugs should ideally be stopped about two weeks before the procedure.
Sedation is usually used to minimize the discomfort that is associated with the insertion of the colonoscope. The presence of the colonoscope in the large intestine stimulates bowel movement and passage of flatus. There may be a bit of abdominal cramping as well but this lasts for just a few minutes. Taking a deep breath helps minimize this cramping.
On average, the procedure takes about one hour except when it gets complicated. In most places, it is offered as a day case which means that you can go home on the same day that the procedure is carried out. You may be required to spend a few hours at the facility as the sedation wears off. Once you are released from hospital make a point of re-hydrating yourself adequately.
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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