Why do I Need a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy test helps your healthcare provider to examine your large intestine better. A flexible camera called a scope is used during the procedure. The motive behind the test is to check out for polyps, signs of colon cancer, and other symptoms like bleeding. It is preferable for adults over the age of 45 to initiate taking colonoscopies for better health.

What is a Colonoscopy?

More precisely, colonoscopy is an outpatient process exercised to study the rectum and colon. An instrument referred to as a colonoscope, used for the examination. It is a long and flexible instrument with a camera. This instrument even can remove the tissues.

A colonoscopy helps to detect several types of conditions. To begin with, it can evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or bleeding. This test intends to check for cancer or colorectal polyps. With the removal of polyps in the early stage, you can avoid cancer.

Difference between Colonoscopy and Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is an x-ray test. It does not require as much preparation as a colonoscopy and takes less time. Doctors don’t even opt for anesthesia in these types of tests. Apart from this, in virtual colonoscopy, the entire length of the colon is not seen.

This x-ray test can’t spot certain polyps in the first place. While, on the contrary, colonoscopy does that quite easily and renders a good view. Also, doctors are unable to treat or remove additional issues while performing virtual colonoscopy.

Reason to Perform a Colonoscopy

Doctors use colonoscopy as a screening tool for cancer and colon polyps. Screening is generally testing for diseases while it doesn’t have any symptoms. It helps to spot the disease at an initial stage. It is a better chance for the doctor to cure the issue. A colonoscopy also allows them to find the reason behind the following symptoms:

• Bleeding from anus
• Changes in bowel activity like diarrhea
• Pain in abdomen
• Bloating
• Chronic fatigue
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Unusual or sudden weight loss

How to Prepare Yourself for a Colonoscopy?

There are several preparations and precautions that you must take care of before a colonoscopy. The first step in this procedure is to have an in-depth discussion with our doctors. Often there are requirements for supplements and vitamins depending on the patient’s health problems. And one must consume them after proper consultation from the doctor.

Then comes your diet that you have to take care of by yourself. Our healthcare expert will also provide you a written bowel prep instruction. This prep will help you to pass transparent and liquid stools. It is done so that your intestine remains clear during the colonoscopy.

You might get to follow a clear liquid diet for 3 to 1 day before the treatment. You must eliminate all sorts of purple or red-colored beverages or gelatin. Our experts will also suggest to you when to start and stop this liquid diet.

In the majority of the cases, you can eat or drink the following:

• Fat-free broth or bouillon
• Gelatin in flavors like orange, lemon, or lime
• Milk and cream-free, plain tea or coffee
• Sports drinks of orange, lemon, or lime flavor
• White grape or apple juice, avoid orange juice
• Plain water

This prep also includes various amalgamations of laxatives, depending on the situation. These are the pills that one gets to swallow or powders to dissolve in clear liquids or water. Some often get to drink a gallon of liquid laxative for a particular time. You might also get prescribed an enema before the procedure.

It is to note down that bowel prep can cause diarrhea. Though it is tough to execute the bowel prep, it is very crucial to finish it. You can even call for a professional if you face any unusual or excessive side effects.

Risk Related to Colonoscopy

Perforation and bleeding are the two most common complications found from colonoscopy. In most cases, bleeding occurs in those with removed polyps. However, few experience bleeding after two weeks of the procedure. Apart from this, the following are some other risks of colonoscopy:

• Reaction to sedatives
• Breathing or heart troubles
• Extreme pain in the abdomen

Why 7DMC?

In 7DMC, we provide colonoscopy for all types of patients and cases. You can visit our healthcare professionals first with your problem. The procedure begins with tests to find the severity and length of the colon. It generally takes 30 to 60 minutes for a colonoscopy.

The process starts with our experts performing the IV (intravenous) treatment. It is a needle inserted in a vein in your hand or arm to provide you with pain medicines, anesthesia, or sedatives. Our health care staff checks on all the vital signs and makes sure you are as comfortable as possible.

You will then have to lie on a table while a colonoscope gets inserted through your anus. It will then proceed to target your rectum and colon, i.e., the large intestine. The scope inflates the area for a proper and clear view. The camera sends a video picture to the monitor. That helps the doctor to examine the intestine and detect the exact length of the colon.

There could be times when our doctor will ask you to move on the table. It is just for adjusting the scope for a better view. It then gradually reaches the vent of your small intestine. The doctor then slowly removes the scope and scrutinizes the lining of the large intestine. As parts of the polyps during the procedure are removed, we often send them to our labs for testing. You might not feel any changes after the removal, which is natural. However, it is better to depart in a cab after the procedure. And not put any physical stress for some time.

The best part about us that positions us far from others is our sense of duty. We don’t leave our patients after they pass through the hospital door. We keep a constant track and report of your recovery. And even call you at regular intervals of time for a checkup. Thus, contact and visit us today for your overall wellness.

Reference

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy#perform

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569

https://www.wwmedgroup.com/blog/when-do-i-need-a-colonoscopy/