Colonoscopy
General information about getting a colonoscopy
By Jarrett Kruse
A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables a doctor (usually a gastroenterologist) to evaluate the appearance of the inside of the colon (large bowel). The colonoscopy procedure is accomplished by inserting a flexible tube that is about the thickness of a finger into the anus, and then advancing it slowly, under visual control, into the rectum and through the colon. It is performed with the visual control of either looking through the instrument or with viewing a TV monitor. A colonoscopy is a more in-depth colon examination than your yearly prostate exam.
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This test may be done for a variety of reasons. Most often it is done to investigate the finding of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in the bowel habits, or an abnormality found on colon x- ray or a CT Scan. Certain individuals with previous history of polyps, colon disease or colon cancer and certain individuals with family history of particular malignancies or colon problems may be advised to have periodic colonoscopies because they are at a greater risk of polyps or colon cancer. These types of cases can be reviewed by colorectal surgeons.
If the procedure is to be complete and accurate, the colon must be completely clean. Patients are given detailed instructions about the cleansing of the colon procedure. In general this consists of a large volume of a special cleansing solution or several days of a clear liquid diet, fasting and diet and laxatives or enemas prior to the examination. These instructions should be followed to the letter or the procedure may be unsatisfactory and have to be repeated later or a less accurate alternative chosen in its place. Most medications should be continued as usual, but some may interfere with the examination. It is best that the physician is informed of all current prescription or over the counter medications. colonhealth is very important to maintain especially as your age progresses. Colonoscopy complications are rare and usually minor when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures.
