Colonoscopy is an investigation that is used to examine the mucosal surface of the large gut. This is achieved with the use of a small tube known as a colonoscope. Examples of conditions that may be visualized using this instrument include polyps, ulcers, tumors and bleeding lesions. There are a number of important things on colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents need to know if planning to undergo the procedure.
Apart from assessing the extent of illnesses, the procedure is also used to collect specimens. Such specimens are known as biopsies. Other interventions such as the surgical removal of abnormal growths (polyps, for instance) can be done. Another important use of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopes usually have a camera that is used to capture images that can be used for records.
There are a number of steps that are undertaken as part of the preparation for someone scheduled to undergo the procedure. Since they are mainly concerned with cleaning of the colon, the steps are collectively known as colon prep. The entire preparation typically takes between one and two days. In some cases, a single prep taken on the night before is adequate to clean out the colon.
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 assess you to determine whether you have any conditions that will result in complications. Information that might help in decision helping include anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (especially aspirin) or any other drug that increases the chances of bleeding. Persons on these drugs should stop taking them not less than seven days before the test.
Sedation is usually required to minimize pain and discomfort. You will feel as if you are having bowel movements as the colonoscope is maneuvered through the colon. Some people also complain of abdominal cramping. One of the things that one may do to minimize this experience is to take a deep breath which helps relax the walls of the abdominal wall. Passage of gas (flatus) also helps relieve the cramps.
A single investigation usually takes just under one hour. In case of complex lesions, it may last a little longer than this. Due to the sedative given, one may feel a bit sleepy and may be retained within the facility until the effects wear off fully. Ensure that you drink adequate amounts of fluids to replace those that have been lost during the colon prep.
There are very few risks associated with this investigation. The commonest risks is bleeding especially if there are growths within the lumen of the colon. Other possible complications include fever, dizziness and vomiting. Get in touch with your doctor if you experience any of these complications.
Apart from assessing the extent of illnesses, the procedure is also used to collect specimens. Such specimens are known as biopsies. Other interventions such as the surgical removal of abnormal growths (polyps, for instance) can be done. Another important use of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopes usually have a camera that is used to capture images that can be used for records.
There are a number of steps that are undertaken as part of the preparation for someone scheduled to undergo the procedure. Since they are mainly concerned with cleaning of the colon, the steps are collectively known as colon prep. The entire preparation typically takes between one and two days. In some cases, a single prep taken on the night before is adequate to clean out the colon.
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 assess you to determine whether you have any conditions that will result in complications. Information that might help in decision helping include anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (especially aspirin) or any other drug that increases the chances of bleeding. Persons on these drugs should stop taking them not less than seven days before the test.
Sedation is usually required to minimize pain and discomfort. You will feel as if you are having bowel movements as the colonoscope is maneuvered through the colon. Some people also complain of abdominal cramping. One of the things that one may do to minimize this experience is to take a deep breath which helps relax the walls of the abdominal wall. Passage of gas (flatus) also helps relieve the cramps.
A single investigation usually takes just under one hour. In case of complex lesions, it may last a little longer than this. Due to the sedative given, one may feel a bit sleepy and may be retained within the facility until the effects wear off fully. Ensure that you drink adequate amounts of fluids to replace those that have been lost during the colon prep.
There are very few risks associated with this investigation. The commonest risks is bleeding especially if there are growths within the lumen of the colon. Other possible complications include fever, dizziness and vomiting. Get in touch with your doctor if you experience any of these complications.
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Find details about the benefits of receiving a colonoscopy Morrilton AR area and more information about an experienced surgeon at http://morriltonsurgery.com right now.
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