Anyone 50 or over, or with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, should undergo the procedure. Read on to learn more about colonoscopies and their importance to your health. Colonoscopies are performed to screen for abnormalities that may include cancer. A flexible tube equipped with a tiny video camera makes it possible for a doctor to view the interior of the colon. This visibility is crucial to detect growths in the large intestine and rectum. There are a number of symptoms that can surface, indicating possible colorectal cancer.
The following symptoms are typically associated with colorectal cancer:. The colon produces short-chain fatty acids, some of which may be important in preventing conditions such as colon cancer. It also reabsorbs liquid so that only — millilitres are present in the faeces. Reasons to have a colonoscopy A colonoscopy can be used to look for cancer of the colon bowel cancer or colon polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon that can sometimes be cancerous or may grow to be cancerous.
A colonoscopy may be performed to find the cause of signs and symptoms including: bleeding from the rectum blood in the stools pus or mucus in the stools unexplained abdominal pain changes in bowel habits such as unexplained and long-lasting diarrhoea screening and surveillance for colorectal cancer. Medical issues to consider Before the procedure, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor including: whether you are taking any blood thinning agents such as aspirin, clopidogrel, pradaxa or warfarin a list all medications prescription and non-prescription , vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements you are currently taking a clean bowel so that the doctor can see the colon lining.
This cleaning process varies, but you may be told to modify your diet and avoid certain foods in the days before the procedure being given a 'bowel preparation kit' and instructions on how to use it. The kit contains substances that help cleanse the bowel.
It may also include liquid preparations that are designed to stimulate bowel movements, as well as laxative tablets and other preparations. It is vital that you strictly follow the instructions given to you by medical staff that you will be advised not to consume any foods or liquids, other than the liquids provided in the bowel preparation kit, in the six hours before the procedure.
Colonoscopy procedure Before the colonoscopy procedure, an intravenous line is inserted into the back of your hand to provide medications that make you relaxed and drowsy.
You will be given medications that provide deep sedation so that you will not have any recollection of the procedure or feel pain. Colonoscopy is performed in a unit that is used for endoscopy procedures only. The patient lies on their left-hand side with their knees tucked up to their chest. The colonoscope is gently inserted through the anus and up into the colon, and air or carbon dioxide is introduced to help the colonoscope pass.
Once the colonoscope has reached the point where the colon joins the small intestine, the doctor slowly withdraws it while looking carefully at the colon lining. Photographs may be taken. The procedure generally takes 15 to 30 minutes..
If colon polyps are found during a colonoscopy, they are removed and the tissue is sent for analysis to determine if the polyp is cancerous. Polyp removal or biopsy may cause bleeding. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon.
Walking may help relieve any discomfort. You may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement after the exam. Usually this isn't cause for alarm. Consult your doctor if you continue to pass blood or blood clots or if you have persistent abdominal pain or a fever. While unlikely, this may occur immediately or in the first few days after the procedure, but may be delayed for up to one to two weeks.
A colonoscopic examination involves gently inserting a fiber-optic colonoscope into your rectum and large intestine to view your lower gastrointestinal tract. A colonoscopy is considered positive if the doctor finds any polyps or abnormal tissue in the colon. Most polyps aren't cancerous, but some can be precancerous. Polyps removed during colonoscopy are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether they are cancerous, precancerous or noncancerous.
Depending on the size and number of polyps, you may need to follow a more rigorous surveillance schedule in the future to look for more polyps. If your doctor finds one or two polyps less than 0. If you have a polyp or other abnormal tissue that couldn't be removed during the colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend a repeat exam with a gastroenterologist who has special expertise in removing large polyps, or surgery. If your doctor is concerned about the quality of the view through the scope, he or she may recommend a repeat colonoscopy or a shorter time until your next colonoscopy.
If your doctor wasn't able to advance the scope through your entire colon, a barium enema or virtual colonoscopy may be recommended to examine the rest of your colon. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Most people should get screened for colon cancer no later than age If you are not at high risk for colon cancer, talk with your doctor about other exams and tests. Each has pros and cons.
Also ask your health plan if it covers:. This report is for you to use when talking with your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.
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