Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy preparation and colonoscopy procedure

Colon cancer is a serious, life-threatening condition and one of the leading forms of preventable cancer today. Because of this, and because there is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer – colonoscopy – these tests have become routine for those aged 40 and over. Assuming a clean test at around age 40, the test is not required again for another five to ten years.

Colonoscopy Preparation

While the procedure is relatively straightforward, it can be much dreaded by the patient, as it is invasive and is often an embarrassing subject for patients to talk about. And, candidly, the steps required for the colonoscopy prep are not without their drawbacks. In order for the test to work, the colon must be completely free of solids, so for at least one day (and sometimes longer) patients must follow a strict diet, usually amounting to no more than certain juices and water. The day before the procedure, the patient must also take a laxative to completely eliminate the bowel.

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Colonoscopy Procedure

The procedure typically begins with the sedation of the patient, which is administered intravenously. Once the patient is “asleep,” the doctor usually performs a digital rectal examination to ensure that the preparation has been done appropriately. At this point, the endoscope, which produces images of the colon and intestines, is passed through body.

Recovery time after the procedure typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, which is the time it takes for the medications to wear off and the patient to regain their strength to leave the facility. Most of these procedures are performed on an out-patient basis; however, many clinics require that patients receiving colonoscopies have a friend or family member available to drive them home after the procedure.

After the procedure, most patients have no lingering issues, but one commonly associated side effect is flatulence. Some patients also experience indigestion after colonoscopy procedures. The whole procedure, start to finish, may sound unpleasant, and many people are inclined to put it off. Just remind yourself that undetected colon cancer is a much more undesirable situation.

While traditional colonoscopies remain the test of choice, your doctor may opt to use an MRI or CT scan to indentify polyps or other issues in the colon through a virtual colonoscopy.