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A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to view the inner lining of the large intestine. Because colon cancer can be diagnosed through this test, individuals who are at risk should schedule a colonoscopy. Patients receive specific instructions from the clinic before the procedure, and following them helps with proper preparation for the procedure.
How Should I Prepare?
Dietary restrictions usually begin the day before the colonoscopy appointment, and a doctor will advise when to begin those restrictions and what to consume during prep. Individuals are asked to not eat solid foods the day before the exam. Patients switch to a clear liquid diet, such as broth or apple juice. Because the large intestine must be clear for a doctor to view the large intestine, patients are given a prescription laxative to take the day before the appointment.
The laxative solution causes bowel movements, and patients are recommended to stay home during preparation. After the patient finishes taking the preparation fluid, the digestive tract is completely empty. Hydration should be a priority throughout the preparation process. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of water while consuming only clear liquids.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
When the patient arrives at the facility, nurses check vital signs and review medical history with the patient. Medical staff often place an IV in the arm of the patient. An anesthesiologist administers a sedative, and the patient sleeps through the examination. Doctors may offer different methods of sedation, and the patient can choose what will work for them.
A doctor uses a colonoscope to view the large intestine. Because the colonoscope features a small camera and light, the physician views the inside of the colon on a video monitor. The device pumps carbon dioxide into your intestine, and the gas inflates the colon for better visibility. Usually, the examination only takes about thirty minutes, and patients should feel only slight discomfort if they feel anything at all.
The camera transmits clear images of the intestinal lining, and the physician examines the tissue for abnormalities. The doctor withdraws the scope after completing the exam. After the doctor finishes the examination, nurses move patients to a recovery room to let the sedation wear off.
What if There Are Polyps?
A polyp is an abnormal tissue growth inside the colon. If the physician finds one during the exam, they insert a tiny wire loop through the colonoscope, and they cut the polyp away from the intestinal wall. Polyps can develop into cancer over time, so the doctor removes these growths during the procedure as a protective measure. The medical team sends the removed tissue to a laboratory for analysis, and the patient will receive the results a few days later.
Schedule a Colonoscopy
If you are over the age of forty-five or have a family history of colon cancer, you should plan a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can be helpful as preventive treatment for cancer, and it helps keep individuals healthy. Contact a gastrologist to schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy.
