Colonoscopies are not just for colon cancer screenings, have you ever experienced abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits? If so, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. While most people think the only reason for a colonoscopy is to screen for colon cancer, there are several important uses for it.
A colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic procedure to examine the inside of the large intestine and rectum. The process involves inserting a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope into the rectum and then guiding it through the colon.
The colonoscope has a camera attached to the end, which allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and take any necessary biopsies. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and is often done under sedation to minimize discomfort.
People often associate colonoscopies with colon cancer screening, but there are other reasons why a doctor may recommend this procedure. Here are some additional reasons why you may need a colonoscopy.
The cause of underlying symptoms, such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, can be identified using a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment for unexplained rectal bleeding.
IBD is a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may need regular colonoscopies to monitor the disease’s progress and evaluate any colon changes.
Diverticulitis is when small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed. Colonoscopies can help diagnose and monitor diverticulitis.
A colonoscopy may also be performed to evaluate a person’s response to treatment for anemia. For example, suppose a person has iron deficiency anemia. In that case, a colonoscopy can help determine if a source of blood loss prevents them from responding to iron supplementation therapy.
Conditions such as colitis, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be evaluated with a colonoscopy.
During a colonoscopy, a flexible, lighted tube with a camera attached to the end is inserted into the rectum and guided through the colon. Patients receive sedation to minimize discomfort during the procedure, and the doctor can view the inside of the colon in real-time. If necessary, biopsies are taken to evaluate any abnormal areas further.
The entire procedure typically takes around 30–60 minutes, and patients need to stay in the clinic for a brief period after the exam to recover from the sedation. Most people can resume their normal activities the next day, but you should follow any instructions from your doctor regarding restrictions and precautions.
A colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help detect and diagnose various conditions affecting the colon and rectum. Whether it’s for detecting precancerous polyps, monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases, or evaluating for anemia, colonoscopies play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health.
If your doctor recommends a colonoscopy, rest assured that the procedure is safe and effective and can provide valuable information to guide your treatment and care.
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