Colonoscopy Procedure Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer
A colonoscopy is a procedure that is probably the most advanced method of identifying and detecting colon cancer. This medical procedure is very effective in providing doctors valuable information necessary to complete a diagnosis and administer proper care. With a very low risk factor, anyone 50 years of age or more should seriously consider a colonoscopy procedure.
Colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a long, flexible, tubular instrument called the colonoscope is used to view the entire inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum as defined by answers.com.
The colonoscopy procedure is performed to locate polyps, irregular bleeding, and tumors. It is often necessary after a barium enema detects polyps or tumor-like growths. Biopsies of the colon and rectum can be done during a colonoscopy to test for cancerous cells.
Patient Responsibilites
The day prior to the procedure, the patient will have to take a laxative to make certain that the bowel area is clean. The patient will also have to fast for a minimum of 6 hours before the test. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and really does not take very long at all. Typically, the patient should expect to be sedated while the procedure is taking place. The patient is then asked to lie on her/his side and a colon scope will be used.
The Instrument
A colon scope is a very narrow and thin telescope. It has a very powerful light on it so that the doctor is able to get a good look around. Further, if needed, the colon scope can either suck air out of the colon or blow air into the colon, whichever is decided by your doctor.
The Colonoscopy Procedure
The doctor then lubricates the colon scope and inserts it into the rectum. If necessary, the doctor may need to blow some air into the bowel to acquire a clearer picture of the colon and rectum. If the patient is only sedated and not asleep, he or she may view the images of the colon on a nearby screen as the doctor does. The doctor might have to remove a bit of tissue, but it is completely painless.
Recovery
When the procedure is completed, the patient will rest while the sedative wears off, so it is necessary to have a friend or family member there to drive them home. If the procedure was a bit more complicated than a normal colonoscopy, they may have to stay for a few hours and be observed for any bleeding.
The colonoscopy is a great medical procedure that provides the doctor minute details of the large intestine and the rectum. In most cases, the procedure can eliminate polyps and detect other bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. When you are of age, 50 and up, make a note in your planner to schedule a colonoscopy procedure.
