Colonoscopy is an important investigation when it comes to the diagnosis of conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. This tests may be conducted by both physicians and surgeons using a specialized piece of equipment known as a colonoscope. Some of the conditions that may be diagnosed using this procedure include polyps, tumors, ulcers and other bleeding lesions. There is some critical information on colonoscopy Morrilton AR patients should know.
Apart from diagnosing abnormalities in the gut, there are a number of other uses of this investigation. One of them is the removal of tissue specimens from the affected regions. Some of the lesions can be removed through excision using the colonoscopes. Another important use is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous lesions. The colonoscope is fitted with a camera that can capture images of diseased parts of the gut that can be used for records.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they are subjected to the investigation. The most important task is to cleanse the colon, a procedure that is undertaken in one to two to days. Colon prep is done using laxatives. There are a number of laxatives that can be used just one day before the test but still achieve remarkable results.
A liquid diet is recommended during the period of the prep. The options include water, clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Grape juice, fruit punch and any other drinks that are red or purple in color should be avoided. Due to the intake of the liquid diet, one may get hungry frequently since the stomach is emptied within a very short time of eating. Diarrhea is common.
The doctor will require some information before they go ahead with the test. Such information includes whether one is taking any drugs such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin among others. Persons that are on either aspirin or iron supplements should stop taking them at least 7 days prior to the test. One will be asked to sign a consent form that states that they understand the risks involved.
During the test, you will be given a sedative drug to help minimize the pain and discomfort. As the colonoscope is inserted into the colon, one may feel as if they are having a bowel movement. Other people experience abdominal cramping. To minimize this feeling, patients are advised to take a deep breath through the mouth. This helps relax the abdominal muscles. It is normal to pass flatus as the scope is maneuvered and one should not be embarrassed.
The test typically takes thirty to forty five minutes. Some cases may take longer if complicated lesions are encountered. One may be retained in the clinic for a couple of hours for observation before they can be allowed to go home. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace those that were lost during the prep. You will be advised on when exactly you can resume with your normal diet.
This investigations is associated with very few complications. Bleeding due to injury by the colonoscope is one of the commonest complications but is hardly a problem if the gut is normal. Others include dizziness, vomiting and a fever among others. Get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of these when at home.
Apart from diagnosing abnormalities in the gut, there are a number of other uses of this investigation. One of them is the removal of tissue specimens from the affected regions. Some of the lesions can be removed through excision using the colonoscopes. Another important use is in the screening of cancerous and precancerous lesions. The colonoscope is fitted with a camera that can capture images of diseased parts of the gut that can be used for records.
One needs to be adequately prepared before they are subjected to the investigation. The most important task is to cleanse the colon, a procedure that is undertaken in one to two to days. Colon prep is done using laxatives. There are a number of laxatives that can be used just one day before the test but still achieve remarkable results.
A liquid diet is recommended during the period of the prep. The options include water, clear juices, tea, coffee and gelatin. Grape juice, fruit punch and any other drinks that are red or purple in color should be avoided. Due to the intake of the liquid diet, one may get hungry frequently since the stomach is emptied within a very short time of eating. Diarrhea is common.
The doctor will require some information before they go ahead with the test. Such information includes whether one is taking any drugs such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin among others. Persons that are on either aspirin or iron supplements should stop taking them at least 7 days prior to the test. One will be asked to sign a consent form that states that they understand the risks involved.
During the test, you will be given a sedative drug to help minimize the pain and discomfort. As the colonoscope is inserted into the colon, one may feel as if they are having a bowel movement. Other people experience abdominal cramping. To minimize this feeling, patients are advised to take a deep breath through the mouth. This helps relax the abdominal muscles. It is normal to pass flatus as the scope is maneuvered and one should not be embarrassed.
The test typically takes thirty to forty five minutes. Some cases may take longer if complicated lesions are encountered. One may be retained in the clinic for a couple of hours for observation before they can be allowed to go home. You need to drink plenty of fluids to replace those that were lost during the prep. You will be advised on when exactly you can resume with your normal diet.
This investigations is associated with very few complications. Bleeding due to injury by the colonoscope is one of the commonest complications but is hardly a problem if the gut is normal. Others include dizziness, vomiting and a fever among others. Get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of these when at home.
About the Author:
Find details about the benefits of receiving a colonoscopy Morrilton AR area and more information about an experienced surgeon at http://morriltonsurgery.com right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment