As the name suggests, colonoscopy is a procedure that is used in assessing the colon (or large intestine). The instrument used in the process is used as a colonoscope. Conditions that may be diagnosed in this manner include bleeding lesions (such as ulcers), polyps and cancerous growths. If they intend to undergo colonoscopy Morrilton AR clients need to have enough information on the procedure beforehand.
Colonoscopy has therapeutic benefits other than its huge diagnostic value. Some of the lesions can be treated once visualized on the monitor. Examples include removal of polyps and placement of hemostatic bands on bleeding ulcers. Another important application of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions. When suspicious growths are seen, biopsy specimens can be obtained and taken for histological examination.
Some form of preparation is required before one undergoes the investigation. One of the most important steps during the preparation stage is what is referred to as colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is typically done in a day or two. The act itself is fairly straightforward and involves the taking of laxatives to empty the gut. Newer, more effective laxatives that achieve the desired effect in a couple of hours are now available in the market.
The doctor will advise that you avoid solid foods during the preparation stage. The foods that should be eaten instead include tea, coffee, water, gelatin and clear juices. Colored juices are usually avoided because they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the mucosa hence may lead to misleading results. Note that the bowel movements will be significantly increased due to the liquid diet.
Apart from colon cleansing, drugs that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped momentarily as part of the preparation. Such include, for example, aspirin, blood thinners (such as warfarin and heparin) and nicotine in tobacco. The drugs should be stopped at least a week in advance. Some tests such as a full blood count may be required if a high risk of bleeding exists.
One of the major advantages of this procedure is that it can be performed safely in an outpatient clinic or a private office. Although regional and general anesthesia are usually not needed, some form of sedation will be induced to reduce the mild pain and discomfort caused by the scope. Taking a deep breath as the scope is inserted into the rectum also helps reduce the discomfort.
The entire procedure usually lasts about an hour except in complicated cases where a longer period of time may be required. A few hours may needed for one to recover from the effects of the sedative drug but one will usually be discharged home on the same day. Due to the high likelihood of dehydration, the general advice is that one should drink lots of water afterwards.
Colonoscopy is largely a safe procedure. Bleeding is the most serious complication especially when cancerous lesions and ulcers are present but a rare complication when the gut is normal. Other possible complications include vomiting, dizziness, nausea and fever. Many of them will resolve spontaneously in a few hours.
Colonoscopy has therapeutic benefits other than its huge diagnostic value. Some of the lesions can be treated once visualized on the monitor. Examples include removal of polyps and placement of hemostatic bands on bleeding ulcers. Another important application of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions. When suspicious growths are seen, biopsy specimens can be obtained and taken for histological examination.
Some form of preparation is required before one undergoes the investigation. One of the most important steps during the preparation stage is what is referred to as colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is typically done in a day or two. The act itself is fairly straightforward and involves the taking of laxatives to empty the gut. Newer, more effective laxatives that achieve the desired effect in a couple of hours are now available in the market.
The doctor will advise that you avoid solid foods during the preparation stage. The foods that should be eaten instead include tea, coffee, water, gelatin and clear juices. Colored juices are usually avoided because they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the mucosa hence may lead to misleading results. Note that the bowel movements will be significantly increased due to the liquid diet.
Apart from colon cleansing, drugs that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped momentarily as part of the preparation. Such include, for example, aspirin, blood thinners (such as warfarin and heparin) and nicotine in tobacco. The drugs should be stopped at least a week in advance. Some tests such as a full blood count may be required if a high risk of bleeding exists.
One of the major advantages of this procedure is that it can be performed safely in an outpatient clinic or a private office. Although regional and general anesthesia are usually not needed, some form of sedation will be induced to reduce the mild pain and discomfort caused by the scope. Taking a deep breath as the scope is inserted into the rectum also helps reduce the discomfort.
The entire procedure usually lasts about an hour except in complicated cases where a longer period of time may be required. A few hours may needed for one to recover from the effects of the sedative drug but one will usually be discharged home on the same day. Due to the high likelihood of dehydration, the general advice is that one should drink lots of water afterwards.
Colonoscopy is largely a safe procedure. Bleeding is the most serious complication especially when cancerous lesions and ulcers are present but a rare complication when the gut is normal. Other possible complications include vomiting, dizziness, nausea and fever. Many of them will resolve spontaneously in a few hours.
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