Get Your Colonoscopy It Is uncomplicated

For many years we have been limited to seeing only the last foot or so of the rectum and colon. With the introduction of fiber optics in the late 70’s the entire colon became accessable. i am sure many have heard scarey tales of people undergoing this process in the doctors office bent over a table. this study was known as a rigid sigmoidoscopy. This study revealed only the bottom 1/3 of the colon and completely missed lesions in the majority of the colon. Although it was much less accurate than current techniques it did allow us to visualize the bottom of the colon and rectum and served us well for many years.

Relatively recently and in the past 30 years and advancement in technology led to fiber optics that allowed visualization of the entire colon and rectum. This study which has led to great advances is known as  colonoscopy video. In the study a small diameter fiber optic scope is placed through the anus and passed around the entire colon allowing excellent visualization of the entire inside or mucosal surface of the colon. This unique procedure allows for the rapid sampling and biopsy of colon lesions allowing rapid and accurate diagnosis. This correct diagnosis allows fpor the correct treatment of the condition and the best response. Many conditions that stumped doctors for years are now readily diagnoses soon after the exam.

This procedure is routinely preformed in an outpatient setting with sedation to make the patient comfortable and in fact most patient have no memory of the study at all The type of sedation used is called iv sedation and the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the depth of a  general anesthesic and some patient may have some recall portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.

An important way colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in  most people.} These are small growths in the colon and most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant ™ tell polyps are there until the colonoscopy is preformed. Finding these lesions is important in that we believe the majority of colon cancers arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years. This is the overall goal of surveilance colonoscopy, to reduce the rate of colon cancer. Treating this malignancy or cancer is before it ever gets started is by far tha best way to treat this disease and the procedure is safe and relatively simple to perform. This simple procedure could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

Indication for colonoscopy include the following, this is by no means a complete list.

Rectal bleeding

Unexplained diarrhea

Pain in the abdomen

Constipation

Unexplained anemia

Follow up for history of polyps

Colon cancer history in the family

Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.

Any history of inflammatory bowel disease

If you fall into one of these categories consult with your personal physician and decide if this is something that is right for you. This simple and safe procedure is important and could save your life. Make sure that all polyps are removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps and then continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. By doing this we will hopefull be able to reduce the risk of colon cancer

I encourage you to discuss this issue with your personal MD. If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Any questions or concerns you may have should be discussed with your physician and this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advise.

So be sure to get your colonoscopy to help ensure your long and healthy life.