Colonoscopy is a common procedure performed in both men and women. Its main role is in the examination of conditions affecting the large intestine (also termed the colon). The examination is conducted using an instrument called a colonoscope. The instrument is flexible and has a camera that captures the characteristics of lesions found with this region. The images are later transmitted onto a monitor. Before undergoing colonoscopy Conway AR residents need to know a number of things.
Colonoscopy is useful in a number of situations. It is particularly useful when examining lesions that are suspected to be benign or malignant tumors. Apart from tumors the colonoscope also helps in the visualization of ulcers that are a common outcome of bowel inflammatory disease. Others include enlarge prostate glands in men and colonic polyps in both men and women. The general advice is that anyone with rectal bleeding should undergo the examination.
Apart from being useful making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleanse is a procedure that involves the removal of fecal matter from the large intestine and the colon prior to the performance of the procedure. This is done by taking laxative drugs that increase the emptying rate of your gate for two to three days. Newer against that can clean the gut in a matter of hours are now commercially available.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
The procedure itself is quite straightforward. It takes about an hour to complete as long as complications are encountered. Since there may be a bit of discomfort, sedation is usually administered. You may also be asked to take deep breaths as the scope is inserted and directed through the gut. As the scope is directed to the site of interest, you are likely to pass wind. This is perfectly normal.
A person who has undergone colonoscopy can be allowed to go home on the same day. Rarely, they may be retained in hospital for about 24 hours if the sedation takes too long to wear off or if there are complications. Commonly encountered complications may include dizziness, bleeding, vomiting and nausea.
Colonoscopy is useful in a number of situations. It is particularly useful when examining lesions that are suspected to be benign or malignant tumors. Apart from tumors the colonoscope also helps in the visualization of ulcers that are a common outcome of bowel inflammatory disease. Others include enlarge prostate glands in men and colonic polyps in both men and women. The general advice is that anyone with rectal bleeding should undergo the examination.
Apart from being useful making a diagnosis, the procedure can be used for a number of other interventions. For instance, when a bleeding ulcer is visualized, a sclerosing agent can be applied to the area to close the open vessels. A similarly effective intervention is what is referred to as cauterization. This involves the use of electric current to control bleeding. Polyps with a long stalk can be safely removed using a colonoscope.
There are a number of things that one has to do as preparation since this is an invasive procedure. Among them is to be screened for the risk of bleeding. Persons that tend to bruise easily should preferably use other modalities of investigation. It is important to have a blood count to determine the levels of your hemoglobin and platelet. The other important component of this preparation process is what is termed colon cleansing.
Colon cleanse is a procedure that involves the removal of fecal matter from the large intestine and the colon prior to the performance of the procedure. This is done by taking laxative drugs that increase the emptying rate of your gate for two to three days. Newer against that can clean the gut in a matter of hours are now commercially available.
One needs to modify their diet as part of the colon cleanse process. A diet rich in beverages such gelatin, coffee, clear juices and tea is recommended. These foods flow through the gut easily and help with cleaning it up. Ensure that you avoid taking colored juices which tend to stain the mucosal surface of the colon resulting in alternation of lesion appearance.
The procedure itself is quite straightforward. It takes about an hour to complete as long as complications are encountered. Since there may be a bit of discomfort, sedation is usually administered. You may also be asked to take deep breaths as the scope is inserted and directed through the gut. As the scope is directed to the site of interest, you are likely to pass wind. This is perfectly normal.
A person who has undergone colonoscopy can be allowed to go home on the same day. Rarely, they may be retained in hospital for about 24 hours if the sedation takes too long to wear off or if there are complications. Commonly encountered complications may include dizziness, bleeding, vomiting and nausea.
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To undergo colonoscopy Conway AR patients should read more about this procedure online. Here is the website that contains further info at http://morriltonsurgery.com.
