A colonoscopy is a medical exam used to note any abnormal changes in your digestive tract that might indicate the presence of polyps or any other abnormal tissue in the rectum and colon (large intestine). By inserting a colonoscope (a long and flexible tube) with a camera at the front into your colon or the rectum, a specialist like Dr. Bharat Pothuri can see into your rectum and colon and check for any abnormalities or collect tissue samples for testing.
This article defines colonoscopy as a procedure, why it is done, and how to prepare for it.
Why Are Colonoscopies Done?
There are several reasons your doctor might recommend a colonoscopy, which includes:
· Checking for abnormal tissues- A colonoscopy can be done to check for and eliminate abnormal tissues, also known as polyps, which can increase your risk of colon cancer.
· Investigating your symptoms- Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to determine the cause of intestinal symptoms like rectal bleeding, severe diarrhea, and chronic constipation.
· Colon cancer screening- If you are above 50 years, your doctor may recommend occasional colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
During your colonoscopy, you will be required to wear a gown (with no clothes underneath) and lie sideways on the exam table with your knees drawn toward your chest. To minimize discomfort, your doctor might give you a mild sedative pill or combine it with intravenous pain medication.
Once this is done, your doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum and pump carbon dioxide through it to inflate your large intestine wall.
A colonoscopy exam typically takes around half an hour to one hour, during which time your doctor will examine your colon and might take pictures through a tiny camera at the end of the scope.
Preparing for a Colonoscopy
Before your colonoscopy exam, you will be required to empty residue from your colon as this could reduce the internal visibility of your colon. Below are some of the vital tips you should follow to ensure your colon is empty before the exam:
- Follow a special diet consisting of light foods and clear drinks such as tea, coffee, or plain water. You should also not eat anything after midnight before the day of your exam.
- Your doctor may recommend that you take a sedative the night and morning before your exam.
- Use an enema kit to empty your colon.
- At least 7 days before your exam, you are required to inform your doctor of all medications you take and adjust as advised.
Results of a Colonoscopy
The results of a colonoscopy exam are negative when no abnormal tissues are found in your large intestines. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend another colonoscopy within:
- 10 years, if you are above 50 years.
- 5 years, if you had previous cases of the presence of polyps.
- 1 year, if your colon was not well emptied before the exam.
Conclusion
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), approximately 50,000 people were expected to die of colon and rectal cancer in 2017. The key to surviving any cancer is early detection, and the medical team at GastroDoxs in Greater Houston, through colonoscopy, can screen you for colon or rectal cancer. Contact the office serving North Houston, Cypress, and Texas, to make an appointment and discuss whether you need a colonoscopy.