Among the most important procedures that have to be performed when an individual is diagnosed with a condition affecting the large intestine is colonoscopy. The procedure is performed by inserting a special instrument called a colonoscope through the anal opening and directing through the large intestines. This instrument is fitted with a camera that captures the images in the region and transmits them to a screen. There are several thing on colonoscopy Conway AR patients need to know.
Colonoscopy has helped diagnose varied conditions. The commonest conditions seen are benign and malignant tumors. Others include ulcers (such as those seen in inflammatory bowel disease), enlarged prostate glands (in men) and colonic polyps. The general advice is that any man above 40 years should undergo the procedure for screening purpose every three years. Any person that has unexplained rectal bleeding is another possible candidate.
Apart from being useful making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
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.
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 colonoscopy procedure typically takes 45 minutes as long as complications do not occur. Light sedation is needed to relieve discomfort and a bit of pain but general anesthesia is not necessary. Taking deep breaths at intervals also goes a long into relieving the discomfort. Wind may be passed as the scope is maneuvered into the intestine. There is no need to be embarrassed.
Patients will typically be allowed home on the same day. 24 hours of observation may be needed if complications set in or if one takes too long to recover from the effects of sedation. Possible complications include bleeding, dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
Colonoscopy has helped diagnose varied conditions. The commonest conditions seen are benign and malignant tumors. Others include ulcers (such as those seen in inflammatory bowel disease), enlarged prostate glands (in men) and colonic polyps. The general advice is that any man above 40 years should undergo the procedure for screening purpose every three years. Any person that has unexplained rectal bleeding is another possible candidate.
Apart from being useful making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
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.
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 colonoscopy procedure typically takes 45 minutes as long as complications do not occur. Light sedation is needed to relieve discomfort and a bit of pain but general anesthesia is not necessary. Taking deep breaths at intervals also goes a long into relieving the discomfort. Wind may be passed as the scope is maneuvered into the intestine. There is no need to be embarrassed.
Patients will typically be allowed home on the same day. 24 hours of observation may be needed if complications set in or if one takes too long to recover from the effects of sedation. Possible complications include bleeding, dizziness, vomiting and nausea.
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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.