Colonoscopy is a common procedure performed in both men and women. Its main role is in the examination of conditions affecting the large intestine (also termed the colon). The examination is conducted using an instrument called a colonoscope. The instrument is flexible and has a camera that captures the characteristics of lesions found with this region. The images are later transmitted onto a monitor. Before undergoing colonoscopy Conway AR residents need to know a number of things.
Colonoscopy has helped diagnose varied conditions. The commonest conditions seen are benign and malignant tumors. Others include ulcers (such as those seen in inflammatory bowel disease), enlarged prostate glands (in men) and colonic polyps. The general advice is that any man above 40 years should undergo the procedure for screening purpose every three years. Any person that has unexplained rectal bleeding is another possible candidate.
Other than the role in making diagnoses, this investigation is important in instituting therapeutic measures. For a number of conditions, treatment may be done or more investigations may be carried out. When tumors are suspected, for example, specimens may be taken and examined to determine the type of cancer involved. For bleeding ulcers, slecrosant agents may be administered to reduce the bleeding. Another benefit is the removal of single polyps by cutting them at the stalk.
Since this is an invasive procedure, there is a need for one to undergo adequate preparation. This helps minimize the risk of complications. Among the important things to be done is a determination of hemoglobin and platelet levels. If any of these parameters is lower than expected, then the risk of bleeding is high. Another important step during preparation is what is known as 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.
You need to carefully think about your diet as you undergo the process of colon cleanse. The diet should preferably be in liquid form. The most commonly recommended foods are beverages such as tea, gelatin, coffee and clear juices. Colored juices should be avoided due to their ability to stain the mucosal layer of the colon which in turn interferes with the findings.
The procedure itself is quite straightforward. It takes about an hour to complete as long as complications are encountered. Since there may be a bit of discomfort, sedation is usually administered. You may also be asked to take deep breaths as the scope is inserted and directed through the gut. As the scope is directed to the site of interest, you are likely to pass wind. This is perfectly normal.
Patients will typically be allowed home on the same day. 24 hours of observation may be needed if complications set in or if one takes too long to recover from the effects of sedation. Possible complications include bleeding, dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
Colonoscopy has helped diagnose varied conditions. The commonest conditions seen are benign and malignant tumors. Others include ulcers (such as those seen in inflammatory bowel disease), enlarged prostate glands (in men) and colonic polyps. The general advice is that any man above 40 years should undergo the procedure for screening purpose every three years. Any person that has unexplained rectal bleeding is another possible candidate.
Other than the role in making diagnoses, this investigation is important in instituting therapeutic measures. For a number of conditions, treatment may be done or more investigations may be carried out. When tumors are suspected, for example, specimens may be taken and examined to determine the type of cancer involved. For bleeding ulcers, slecrosant agents may be administered to reduce the bleeding. Another benefit is the removal of single polyps by cutting them at the stalk.
Since this is an invasive procedure, there is a need for one to undergo adequate preparation. This helps minimize the risk of complications. Among the important things to be done is a determination of hemoglobin and platelet levels. If any of these parameters is lower than expected, then the risk of bleeding is high. Another important step during preparation is what is known as 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.
You need to carefully think about your diet as you undergo the process of colon cleanse. The diet should preferably be in liquid form. The most commonly recommended foods are beverages such as tea, gelatin, coffee and clear juices. Colored juices should be avoided due to their ability to stain the mucosal layer of the colon which in turn interferes with the findings.
The procedure itself is quite straightforward. It takes about an hour to complete as long as complications are encountered. Since there may be a bit of discomfort, sedation is usually administered. You may also be asked to take deep breaths as the scope is inserted and directed through the gut. As the scope is directed to the site of interest, you are likely to pass wind. This is perfectly normal.
Patients will typically be allowed home on the same day. 24 hours of observation may be needed if complications set in or if one takes too long to recover from the effects of sedation. Possible complications include bleeding, dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
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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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