Colonoscopy is an important investigation used to assess lesions that affect the digestive tract. Examples include cancerous lesions, bleeding ulcers and polyps among others. The investigation is conducted using an instrument known as a colonoscopy. Potential candidates are persons that have digestive system disorders such as pain, bleeding and constipation. As they plan to have colonoscopy Morrilton AR clients should understand a number of things.
Colonoscopy has therapeutic benefits other than its huge diagnostic value. Some of the lesions can be treated once visualized on the monitor. Examples include removal of polyps and placement of hemostatic bands on bleeding ulcers. Another important application of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions. When suspicious growths are seen, biopsy specimens can be obtained and taken for histological examination.
Some form of preparation is required before one undergoes the investigation. One of the most important steps during the preparation stage is what is referred to as colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is typically done in a day or two. The act itself is fairly straightforward and involves the taking of laxatives to empty the gut. Newer, more effective laxatives that achieve the desired effect in a couple of hours are now available in the market.
The doctor will advise that you avoid solid foods during the preparation stage. The foods that should be eaten instead include tea, coffee, water, gelatin and clear juices. Colored juices are usually avoided because they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the mucosa hence may lead to misleading results. Note that the bowel movements will be significantly increased due to the liquid diet.
Apart from colon cleansing, drugs that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped momentarily as part of the preparation. Such include, for example, aspirin, blood thinners (such as warfarin and heparin) and nicotine in tobacco. The drugs should be stopped at least a week in advance. Some tests such as a full blood count may be required if a high risk of bleeding exists.
One of the major advantages of this procedure is that it can be performed safely in an outpatient clinic or a private office. Although regional and general anesthesia are usually not needed, some form of sedation will be induced to reduce the mild pain and discomfort caused by the scope. Taking a deep breath as the scope is inserted into the rectum also helps reduce the discomfort.
The procedure should take 45 minutes to one hour in the absence of complications. The sedation that is used reduces the level of consciousness and a few hours are usually needed for the effects to wear of. Most hospitals will discharge you on the same day but a few may retain you for about 24 hours. Due to the dehydration resulting from the preparation stage, patients are advised to drink lots of water and other fluids.
Colonoscopy is associated with minor side effects. Perhaps the most serious among them is bleeding particularly in the presence of ulcers and cancerous lesions. Others include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and occasionally, fever. Many of these complications will resolve with time. Make a point of contacting your doctor if they persist.
Colonoscopy has therapeutic benefits other than its huge diagnostic value. Some of the lesions can be treated once visualized on the monitor. Examples include removal of polyps and placement of hemostatic bands on bleeding ulcers. Another important application of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions. When suspicious growths are seen, biopsy specimens can be obtained and taken for histological examination.
Some form of preparation is required before one undergoes the investigation. One of the most important steps during the preparation stage is what is referred to as colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is typically done in a day or two. The act itself is fairly straightforward and involves the taking of laxatives to empty the gut. Newer, more effective laxatives that achieve the desired effect in a couple of hours are now available in the market.
The doctor will advise that you avoid solid foods during the preparation stage. The foods that should be eaten instead include tea, coffee, water, gelatin and clear juices. Colored juices are usually avoided because they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the mucosa hence may lead to misleading results. Note that the bowel movements will be significantly increased due to the liquid diet.
Apart from colon cleansing, drugs that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped momentarily as part of the preparation. Such include, for example, aspirin, blood thinners (such as warfarin and heparin) and nicotine in tobacco. The drugs should be stopped at least a week in advance. Some tests such as a full blood count may be required if a high risk of bleeding exists.
One of the major advantages of this procedure is that it can be performed safely in an outpatient clinic or a private office. Although regional and general anesthesia are usually not needed, some form of sedation will be induced to reduce the mild pain and discomfort caused by the scope. Taking a deep breath as the scope is inserted into the rectum also helps reduce the discomfort.
The procedure should take 45 minutes to one hour in the absence of complications. The sedation that is used reduces the level of consciousness and a few hours are usually needed for the effects to wear of. Most hospitals will discharge you on the same day but a few may retain you for about 24 hours. Due to the dehydration resulting from the preparation stage, patients are advised to drink lots of water and other fluids.
Colonoscopy is associated with minor side effects. Perhaps the most serious among them is bleeding particularly in the presence of ulcers and cancerous lesions. Others include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and occasionally, fever. Many of these complications will resolve with time. Make a point of contacting your doctor if they persist.
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