Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy means using a thin, flexible tube (flexible sigmoidoscopy) with a camera and light at the end to look inside the colon.
During this procedure, polyps, (which are sometimes pre-cancerous) can be fund, removed or sometimes biopsied. Colon cancers can be biopsied and diagnosed during this procedure.
Before this procedure can be done, your colon must be cleaned out. This is done by having a clear liquid diet the day before and drinking a special laxative the evening and sometimes the morning of the procedure. Learn more about preparing for your colonoscopy.
During the procedure, air is inserted and the scope is moved around corners; therefore, bloating and mild discomfort may be felt at moments. You will have a sedative and pain medicication given throuh an IV. This makes the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Risks include possible reaction to the medications, holes or tears, bleeding and possibly missing things. Each of these risks is small.
You MUST have a driver accompany you for your appointment as you cannot drive yourself home after receiving sedative medication.
Colonoscopy is the best way to look for colon growths, but it is not right for everyone. Discuss your individual situation with your physician before scheduing a colonoscopy.
Learn more about Colonoscopies
From the Scott & White Community Blog, Why the dreaded colonoscopy shouldn’t be so dreaded after all
Find more colonoscopy information in A.D.A.M. Multimedia Encyclopedia.
