Basic Facts Related To Colonoscopy Morrilton AR Clients Need To Be Aware Of

By Elizabeth Nelson


As the name suggests, colonoscopy is a procedure that is used in assessing the colon (or large intestine). The instrument used in the process is used as a colonoscope. Conditions that may be diagnosed in this manner include bleeding lesions (such as ulcers), polyps and cancerous growths. If they intend to undergo colonoscopy Morrilton AR clients need to have enough information on the procedure beforehand.

Colonoscopy has therapeutic benefits other than its huge diagnostic value. Some of the lesions can be treated once visualized on the monitor. Examples include removal of polyps and placement of hemostatic bands on bleeding ulcers. Another important application of this procedure is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous conditions. When suspicious growths are seen, biopsy specimens can be obtained and taken for histological examination.

There is some preparation that is needed before one undergoes the procedure. Part of the preparation process includes cleansing the colon. This is quite a simple process that is usually done by the clients themselves. The traditional approach has involved the administration of laxatives for two to three days before the operation. Newer laxatives that can cleanse the colon in a few hours have been developed.

The doctor will advise that you avoid solid foods during the preparation stage. The foods that should be eaten instead include tea, coffee, water, gelatin and clear juices. Colored juices are usually avoided because they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the mucosa hence may lead to misleading results. Note that the bowel movements will be significantly increased due to the liquid diet.

Apart from colon cleansing, drugs that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding need to be stopped momentarily as part of the preparation. Such include, for example, aspirin, blood thinners (such as warfarin and heparin) and nicotine in tobacco. The drugs should be stopped at least a week in advance. Some tests such as a full blood count may be required if a high risk of bleeding exists.

One of the major advantages of this procedure is that it can be performed safely in an outpatient clinic or a private office. Although regional and general anesthesia are usually not needed, some form of sedation will be induced to reduce the mild pain and discomfort caused by the scope. Taking a deep breath as the scope is inserted into the rectum also helps reduce the discomfort.

The test takes between 45 minutes and one hour, on average unless complications are encountered. You will be released home as soon as the effects of the sedative wear of but some centers keep patients in hospital for about 24 hours for observation. The colon cleansing procedure usually results in significant dehydration hence the need to take lots of fluid after the test.

Colonoscopy is associated with minor side effects. Perhaps the most serious among them is bleeding particularly in the presence of ulcers and cancerous lesions. Others include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and occasionally, fever. Many of these complications will resolve with time. Make a point of contacting your doctor if they persist.




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