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 in making diagnoses, colonoscopy is also important in therapy. When bleeding ulcers are seen, for instance, sclerosing chemicals can be applied to the region to minimize the bleeding. Another alternative is to use electric current to directly close the bleeding vessels. This is known as cauterization. In cases where tumors are suspected, tissue specimens are obtained and later subjected to examination.
You will need to do a number of things as preparation before undergoing this procedure. One of the most important things to be done is to stop taking any blood thinners. The drugs should preferably be stopped two weeks before the procedure at the very latest. Your levels of platelets and hemoglobin are an important predictor of bleeding risk and should be determined as well. Colon cleanse is another important part of preparation.
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.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
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 in making diagnoses, colonoscopy is also important in therapy. When bleeding ulcers are seen, for instance, sclerosing chemicals can be applied to the region to minimize the bleeding. Another alternative is to use electric current to directly close the bleeding vessels. This is known as cauterization. In cases where tumors are suspected, tissue specimens are obtained and later subjected to examination.
You will need to do a number of things as preparation before undergoing this procedure. One of the most important things to be done is to stop taking any blood thinners. The drugs should preferably be stopped two weeks before the procedure at the very latest. Your levels of platelets and hemoglobin are an important predictor of bleeding risk and should be determined as well. Colon cleanse is another important part of preparation.
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.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
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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