subject: What Is Involved In A Colonoscopy Procedure? [print this page] Colonoscopy is usually performed after a person reaches the age of fifty or older. It is not gender specific because it is ideal for both men and women. The doctor will take a look inside someones colon using a camera as well as a fiber optic wire. The fiber optic wire is a tiny wire that is inserted into the anus so that the physician can get the best look of the persons colon and small bowel. The doctor will be able to determine in less time whether there any issues or not. This procedure is a necessity if you want to make sure that your rectum is healthy and ensuring that there are no cancer growths or polyps are developing. Some people will do this procedure as young as age thirty five, but in most cases, the accepted age is fifty. However, no matter what the age, the procedure has to be repeated at least every five years to stay in tune with your health.
In some cases, the procedure is administered to make sure that you are not hemorrhaging nor have any type of bowel disease. Diseases of the colon are able to threaten your life and so you have to take the necessary precautions if you want to live a healthy and long life. Some of these conditions can become terminal in no time. In fact, there are people who have not had a colonoscopy in years and it is only when they reach the terminal stage of their cancer did they realize that had they done the colonoscopy, they would have added a few more years to their life.
Before you do your colonoscopy procedure, there are specific things you need to do in order to prepare for it. It is an uncomfortable procedure, but one that will save your life. The doctor will want to consult with you, possibly a week before the procedure to advise you what to expect. The doctor will instruct you that you will not be able to eat anything from midnight the previous day until after the colonoscopy is done. Your colon has to be clean and void of any solid food particles. You will be told to drink a lot of liquid including water. This will help to clear you system. Drinks such as juice, soda and water are fine.
The day before the procedure, you will also be given a laxative to take, which is quite normal. You will be sedated during the procedure. It is then that you will have a camera or fiber optic wire placed inside our anus so that the doctor can see your entire colon.
You will feel a bit of pain, but not from the insertion of the camera or fiber optic wire, but from possible colon inflammation. A colonoscopy, itself, is not risky or life threatening. Most doctors will suggest that you get one done in order to get a full bill of health when it comes to your colon.
There are so many victims of colon cancer and as this number becomes larger, the medical community is scrambling to find the cure for cancer and for early detection of colon cancer. There is hope for you when you do a colonoscopy and find a polyp or growth that is caught early.
The procedure helps the doctor to see the colon in its entirety and helps the doctor to evaluate your situation. The large and small bowels are examined and looked at to find out of there are any abnormal bleeding, polyp and ulcers present. This is a diagnostic procedure that is usually accurate. Patients are also welcomed to do further diagnostic testing such biopsies.
Colonoscopy is certainly one way for patients to find out as early as possible if they are dealing with cancer or other illnesses of the colon. Some patients are disturbed by the procedure even though they are aware that is essential for their good health.
The lack of food and the effect of the laxative may make the person feel very weak, but after the procedure has been completed, those feelings will go away. Many patients may wish that there was a pill that they could take to get rid of any tumors or cancers, but medical science has not found that yet.
A good diet is also essential to your colon health. Eat foods that are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Keep away from fat and animal protein. Eat less red meat and more vegetables and fruits. A balanced diet is essential to keeping good colon health. For more information please Visit: www.corigroup.org
