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 indication for the procedure is screening for cancerous conditions. This is most important among persons that have a positive family history of the same. All suspected cancerous or precancerous conditions need to be examined by a pathologist before a definitive diagnosis is made. Colonoscopy makes it possible to obtain biopsy specimens from the diseased areas of the gut and these can then be sent to a pathologist for histology.
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 main types of liquid diet that one should use during the colon prep include tea, coffee, clear juices, water and gelatin. Drinks to be avoided are those that have a red, pink, or purple color such as grape juice and red wine among others. This is because, such drinks have the capability of staining the mucosal surface of the colon and changing its appearance. Expect increased bouts of hunger and diarrhea when on such a diet.
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.
You will be under sedation during the test, so as to minimize the associated pain and discomfort. The entry of the scope through the rectum and colon results in bowel movements. There may be abdominal cramping as well in some people. Taking deep breaths usually relaxes the abdominal muscles and thus helps to reduce the discomfort.
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.
The benefits of colonoscopy are two fold; it can be used as a diagnostic tool as well as an intervention. Removal of benign polyps is one of the most useful interventions that can be undertaken. Commonly encountered side effects include dizziness, fever and vomiting. Fortunately, they are all self-limiting. Bear in mind that the number of investigations needed varies from one person to another.
The commonest indication for the procedure is screening for cancerous conditions. This is most important among persons that have a positive family history of the same. All suspected cancerous or precancerous conditions need to be examined by a pathologist before a definitive diagnosis is made. Colonoscopy makes it possible to obtain biopsy specimens from the diseased areas of the gut and these can then be sent to a pathologist for histology.
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 main types of liquid diet that one should use during the colon prep include tea, coffee, clear juices, water and gelatin. Drinks to be avoided are those that have a red, pink, or purple color such as grape juice and red wine among others. This is because, such drinks have the capability of staining the mucosal surface of the colon and changing its appearance. Expect increased bouts of hunger and diarrhea when on such a diet.
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.
You will be under sedation during the test, so as to minimize the associated pain and discomfort. The entry of the scope through the rectum and colon results in bowel movements. There may be abdominal cramping as well in some people. Taking deep breaths usually relaxes the abdominal muscles and thus helps to reduce the discomfort.
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.
The benefits of colonoscopy are two fold; it can be used as a diagnostic tool as well as an intervention. Removal of benign polyps is one of the most useful interventions that can be undertaken. Commonly encountered side effects include dizziness, fever and vomiting. Fortunately, they are all self-limiting. Bear in mind that the number of investigations needed varies from one person to another.
About the Author:
To undergo colonoscopy Morrilton AR surgeon is the right person to turn to. Set up an appointment now by visiting this site http://morriltonsurgery.com.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق