Colonoscopy is an important investigation when it comes to the diagnosis of conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. This tests may be conducted by both physicians and surgeons using a specialized piece of equipment known as a colonoscope. Some of the conditions that may be diagnosed using this procedure include polyps, tumors, ulcers and other bleeding lesions. There is some critical information on colonoscopy Morrilton AR patients should know.
Other than identifying abnormalities within the large gut, this test is also used to obtain specimens from the affected regions. Such specimens are commonly referred to as biopsies. It is also possible to undertake some interventions using the procedure such as the removal of polyps. Another important application is the use in screening for cancers and precancerous conditions. The colonoscope has a camera that can be used to capture the appearance of the mucosa as an image.
There are several things that have to be done as part of preparing for the test. Colon prep is the collective term that is used for all the steps that are used in ensuring that the large gut is clean. Laxatives are usually used for this purpose and are usually given for a day or two. Newer colon prep laxatives can be given the night before and still work effectively.
Doctors usually recommend a liquid diet such as coffee, tea, water, clear juices and gelatin among others to help with the colon cleaning. Red or purple colored drinks such as grape juice should not be used. Due to the liquid diet, you may feel quite hungry as the stomach tends to be emptied out rather fast. At the same time, you may have diarrhea hence you are highly advised to remain at home during the prep.
The doctor will require some information before they go ahead with the test. Such information includes whether one is taking any drugs such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin among others. Persons that are on either aspirin or iron supplements should stop taking them at least 7 days prior to the test. One will be asked to sign a consent form that states that they understand the risks involved.
A sedative drug is usually administered to help reduce discomfort and pain. A feel of bowel movements is experienced by a majority of the patients as the scope is passed through their rectum and colon. Others say they feel their gut cramping. Taking deep breaths is one of the measures that helps reduce this discomfort. Passage of flatus also helps relieve these symptoms.
The test lasts for between 30 and 45 minutes. In some cases, it may take a bit longer. You may feel a bit sleepy afterwards hence you will be retained in the clinic for a few hours just to be observed. One needs to drink as much water (and clear fluids) as possible to replace those that have been lost during the colon prep procedure. It takes a short while before you can resume your normal diet.
This investigations is associated with very few complications. Bleeding due to injury by the colonoscope is one of the commonest complications but is hardly a problem if the gut is normal. Others include dizziness, vomiting and a fever among others. Get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of these when at home.
Other than identifying abnormalities within the large gut, this test is also used to obtain specimens from the affected regions. Such specimens are commonly referred to as biopsies. It is also possible to undertake some interventions using the procedure such as the removal of polyps. Another important application is the use in screening for cancers and precancerous conditions. The colonoscope has a camera that can be used to capture the appearance of the mucosa as an image.
There are several things that have to be done as part of preparing for the test. Colon prep is the collective term that is used for all the steps that are used in ensuring that the large gut is clean. Laxatives are usually used for this purpose and are usually given for a day or two. Newer colon prep laxatives can be given the night before and still work effectively.
Doctors usually recommend a liquid diet such as coffee, tea, water, clear juices and gelatin among others to help with the colon cleaning. Red or purple colored drinks such as grape juice should not be used. Due to the liquid diet, you may feel quite hungry as the stomach tends to be emptied out rather fast. At the same time, you may have diarrhea hence you are highly advised to remain at home during the prep.
The doctor will require some information before they go ahead with the test. Such information includes whether one is taking any drugs such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin among others. Persons that are on either aspirin or iron supplements should stop taking them at least 7 days prior to the test. One will be asked to sign a consent form that states that they understand the risks involved.
A sedative drug is usually administered to help reduce discomfort and pain. A feel of bowel movements is experienced by a majority of the patients as the scope is passed through their rectum and colon. Others say they feel their gut cramping. Taking deep breaths is one of the measures that helps reduce this discomfort. Passage of flatus also helps relieve these symptoms.
The test lasts for between 30 and 45 minutes. In some cases, it may take a bit longer. You may feel a bit sleepy afterwards hence you will be retained in the clinic for a few hours just to be observed. One needs to drink as much water (and clear fluids) as possible to replace those that have been lost during the colon prep procedure. It takes a short while before you can resume your normal diet.
This investigations is associated with very few complications. Bleeding due to injury by the colonoscope is one of the commonest complications but is hardly a problem if the gut is normal. Others include dizziness, vomiting and a fever among others. Get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of these when at home.
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