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.
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.
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.
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.
Colon cleansing is a process in which fecal material is removed from the intestines. This makes it possible to visualize any lesions found in the colon. The process is done by administering drugs known as laxatives whose main role is to increase gut motility. Whereas traditional laxatives worked in two to three days, newer agents work within a few hours.
During colon cleansing, one needs to be on special diet so as to speed up the process. In general, one should be on a liquid diet that includes beverages such as clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Avoid colored juices as much as possible as these have the effect of obscuring the mucosal surface of the colon making examination difficult. Anticipate episodes of diarrhea due to this kind of diet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Colon cleansing is a process in which fecal material is removed from the intestines. This makes it possible to visualize any lesions found in the colon. The process is done by administering drugs known as laxatives whose main role is to increase gut motility. Whereas traditional laxatives worked in two to three days, newer agents work within a few hours.
During colon cleansing, one needs to be on special diet so as to speed up the process. In general, one should be on a liquid diet that includes beverages such as clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Avoid colored juices as much as possible as these have the effect of obscuring the mucosal surface of the colon making examination difficult. Anticipate episodes of diarrhea due to this kind of diet.
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.
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.