Colonoscopy is a procedure that is very useful in examining conditions affecting the colon (the large intestines). It is performed by inserting an instrument called a colonoscope through the anal verge. The instrument has camera at the front end that transmits images captured onto a monitor. If they need to undergo colonoscopy Conway AR residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.
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 making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
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.
The process of colon cleansing is done to get rid of fecal material in the colon to make it easier to perform the procedure. A drugs known as a laxative is administered to help increase the motility of the intestines so as to empty it as fast as possible. This is typically done in two to three days. Newer laxatives can clean the colon within a couple of hours.
During colon cleansing, one needs to be on special diet so as to speed up the process. In general, one should be on a liquid diet that includes beverages such as clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Avoid colored juices as much as possible as these have the effect of obscuring the mucosal surface of the colon making examination difficult. Anticipate episodes of diarrhea due to this kind of diet.
If no complications are encountered, the process takes 45 minutes to one hour. Sedation is usually administered to minimize the discomfort experienced as the scope is maneuvered through the gut. Taking a deep breath during the process is also helpful in relieving the discomfort. Note that you may pass wind several times as the scope moves through the colon.
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 making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
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.
The process of colon cleansing is done to get rid of fecal material in the colon to make it easier to perform the procedure. A drugs known as a laxative is administered to help increase the motility of the intestines so as to empty it as fast as possible. This is typically done in two to three days. Newer laxatives can clean the colon within a couple of hours.
During colon cleansing, one needs to be on special diet so as to speed up the process. In general, one should be on a liquid diet that includes beverages such as clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Avoid colored juices as much as possible as these have the effect of obscuring the mucosal surface of the colon making examination difficult. Anticipate episodes of diarrhea due to this kind of diet.
If no complications are encountered, the process takes 45 minutes to one hour. Sedation is usually administered to minimize the discomfort experienced as the scope is maneuvered through the gut. Taking a deep breath during the process is also helpful in relieving the discomfort. Note that you may pass wind several times as the scope moves through the colon.
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.
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