While often uncomfortable to talk about, the colonoscopy is one of the more important tests that a doctor can run. Colonoscopies are used to look for abnormalities that may be occurring in the rectum or large intestine. While TV sitcoms and movies have used this procedure to make jokes for years, it’s incredibly beneficial. The use of the colonoscopy can assist in diagnosing troubling signs and symptoms within the intestinal system. Even more important is that it’s used to screen for cancer.
The procedure features inserted a flexible tube that features a camera and light. This allows the doctor to look for any irregularities, polyps or cancerous growths. The good news is that for most people, a colonoscopy isn’t something that needs to be done all that often. Most people will only need to take one every 10 years!
Much like almost all medical information, there’s a baseline for how often you need a colonoscopy, which branches based on many potential risk factors. Most people will get their first colonoscopy around the age of 50. From there, they can then get one every 10 years to update the information. Obviously if they feel severe intestinal discomfort in the meantime, a reactionary test could be required as opposed to the preventative test they have already received.
People with digestive issues like Crohn’s disease, colitis or inflammatory bowel disease may likely need a more frequent use of the colonoscopy. It’s also possible if people have a history of adenomas. Finally, people who have a direct family history of adenoma or colorectal cancer could see themselves getting a colonoscopy more often than the baseline. It’s better safe than sorry!
For many medical tests, you can show up and have them taken. That’s not really the case with a colonoscopy. There are many steps to properly preparing for it. This will produce good results and show an empty colon so pictures can properly be captured and issues can be spotted. Typically, a person will need to be on a special diet for about 24 hours. It will be a diet of clear beverages. Red juices or drinks need to be avoided as they can simulate the appearance of blood. Some doctors can require someone to take a laxative to ensure that they remove any physical debris from the area. Another important aspect to preparation is altering medications. It’s important that the performing doctor is well aware of the medications in play before the procedure. It’s possible that dosages will be altered or briefly paused around the procedure. People with heart problems, high blood pressure and diabetes should be especially alert and ensure they remind their doctor about the situation a week or two before the procedure to ensure their medication plan is clearly defined.
Typically people undergoing the procedure will wear a medical gown and receive a mild sedative. For people who are more sensitive, they may get more serious pain medication to try and keep discomfort from interfering with the examination.
Most people will lay on their side with their knees pulled up to their chest. The tube will be inserted and allow the doctor to visually inspect the area. The tube can insert some air or carbon dioxide into the colon to make it inflate and be easier to inspect visually. This aspect may not always be comfortable. In some cases, a doctor may take a tissue sample or remove some polyps from the colon during the colonoscopy.
Since people receive at least a mild sedative, patients shouldn’t consider driving themselves home. It can take a day for it to completely wear off, so some assistance in that matter will be required. If for some reason some polyps were removed, it’s possible a specific diet will be required until advised otherwise by the doctor. The results will then dictate if another colonoscopy should be done in 10 years, 5 years, or potentially sooner.
