Colonoscopy is a common procedure mainly used in the diagnosis of conditions affecting the rectum and the colon. It is conducted using an instrument called a colonoscope. The instrument may be rigid or flexible and is fitted with a camera that projects images onto a monitor within the procedure room as the scope is moved along the colon. There are several things related to colonoscopy Morrilton AR clients need to understand if they plan on having the procedure.
A number of diseases and medical conditions are diagnosed using this approach. Examples include malignant and benign tumors, bleeding ulcers and polyps among others. A typical candidate is an individual with symptoms that suggest of colon disease. Such will include, for instance, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, longstanding constipation and chronic abdominal pain among others.
Aside from the making of a diagnosis, this procedure can be used for treatment. There are a number of situations in which a therapeutic interventions can be undertaken. An example is in the case of ulcers where a number of techniques can be undertaken. Sclerosing agents can be applied directly to the bleeding vessel to stop the bleeding. Other interventions that may also be effective include banding and cauterization. It is common for tissues specimens to be taken at the same time and subjected to histological examination.
As is customary for most procedures, you will be required to undergo some form of preparation. The preparation needed is both general and specific. General preparation that applies to any procedure and will include, for instance, having a full blood count. This helps screen for any bleeding disorders that may increase the risk of complications. A more specific form of preparation is what is commonly termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing refers to the removal of fecal material from the colon and the rectum for one reason or the other. This is achieved through laxatives, drugs that increase gut motility. Traditionally, the procedure has been done in one to two days. With the advent of newer laxative drugs, however, the desired effect can be achieved in a shorter period of time (a couple of hours).
There is a need to be on special diet as the cleansing process takes place. The general recommendation is that one should be put on a liquid diet such as tea, coffee, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks should to be avoided as they have the potential of staining the colon and distorting the findings. Bear in mind that due to the increase in gut motility you may have bouts of diarrhea.
This exercise typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Neither general nor regional anesthesia are a necessity but light sedation helps minimize the unpleasant feeling that is experienced as the scope is maneuvered through the gut. It is advisable that one takes a deep breath to reduce the pain. In rare circumstances, the pain persists hours after the procedure.
Unless complications set in, you will be allowed to go home as soon as the effects of the sedative wear off. The presence of complications may mean that you be retained in hospital for at least 24 hours for observation. Commonly encountered complications include bleeding (especially among patients with ulcers and cancers), nausea, vomiting and dizziness among others.
A number of diseases and medical conditions are diagnosed using this approach. Examples include malignant and benign tumors, bleeding ulcers and polyps among others. A typical candidate is an individual with symptoms that suggest of colon disease. Such will include, for instance, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, longstanding constipation and chronic abdominal pain among others.
Aside from the making of a diagnosis, this procedure can be used for treatment. There are a number of situations in which a therapeutic interventions can be undertaken. An example is in the case of ulcers where a number of techniques can be undertaken. Sclerosing agents can be applied directly to the bleeding vessel to stop the bleeding. Other interventions that may also be effective include banding and cauterization. It is common for tissues specimens to be taken at the same time and subjected to histological examination.
As is customary for most procedures, you will be required to undergo some form of preparation. The preparation needed is both general and specific. General preparation that applies to any procedure and will include, for instance, having a full blood count. This helps screen for any bleeding disorders that may increase the risk of complications. A more specific form of preparation is what is commonly termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleansing refers to the removal of fecal material from the colon and the rectum for one reason or the other. This is achieved through laxatives, drugs that increase gut motility. Traditionally, the procedure has been done in one to two days. With the advent of newer laxative drugs, however, the desired effect can be achieved in a shorter period of time (a couple of hours).
There is a need to be on special diet as the cleansing process takes place. The general recommendation is that one should be put on a liquid diet such as tea, coffee, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks should to be avoided as they have the potential of staining the colon and distorting the findings. Bear in mind that due to the increase in gut motility you may have bouts of diarrhea.
This exercise typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Neither general nor regional anesthesia are a necessity but light sedation helps minimize the unpleasant feeling that is experienced as the scope is maneuvered through the gut. It is advisable that one takes a deep breath to reduce the pain. In rare circumstances, the pain persists hours after the procedure.
Unless complications set in, you will be allowed to go home as soon as the effects of the sedative wear off. The presence of complications may mean that you be retained in hospital for at least 24 hours for observation. Commonly encountered complications include bleeding (especially among patients with ulcers and cancers), nausea, vomiting and dizziness among others.
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In order to become better informed about the process of colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents should first review the details online. To learn more about this procedure, simply check out this homepage on http://morriltonsurgery.com.