Colorectal or colon cancer is a disease that affects the colon and rectum, the last parts of the digestive tract. This type of cancer occurs when the cells lining the colon or rectum multiply and expand into large polyps. Nearly 1 in 23 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be detected early through routine colonoscopy screenings. A colonoscopy is the best way to identify and eliminate precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
Unfortunately, too many people think that a colonoscopy is too difficult or are scared that they may not be safe. They may think that the benefits aren’t enough to outweigh these fears.
And that’s the number one thing people get wrong about colonoscopies — the fears they may have can’t compete with the benefits of proper screening. Having a colonoscopy may save your life.
While older methods of colonoscopy preparation required individuals to drink almost a gallon of laxative fluid the night before the procedure, there has been a dramatic improvement in the preparation process in recent years. Now, there are numerous prep options that can be consumed over a period of days leading up to your colonoscopy.
Even though the preparation process has become more bearable, it’s still crucial to carefully adhere to all guidelines when getting ready for a colonoscopy. Although your doctor may give you a list of items to avoid for a few days, such as certain medications or vegetables that are high in fiber, preparation is typically not as difficult as people anticipate. The worst aspect is simply having to spend several hours near or on the toilet.
Colonoscopies are a minimally invasive procedure that can save your life. The biggest mistake you can make is not scheduling the test because it seems too difficult or scary.
A colonoscopy is very safe. Occasionally a patient can experience bleeding at a biopsy site or a negative side effect from the sedative medication. During the procedure, your doctor will put air into the colon to make the inner lining easier to see and this may result in bloating or discomfort for a short time after the procedure.
Most patients choose to have intravenous sedation, which means they are asleep during the procedure and may not even remember it.
Before the colonoscopy begins, you will be positioned on your side on the exam table. Then, a short-acting anesthetic will be administered to help you relax and remain comfortable throughout the exam.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted and guided to the end of your colon. A light, camera, and polyp removal tool are attached to the end of the colonoscope. The camera delivers a video image to a monitor throughout the process, allowing your doctor to closely inspect your colon lining.
Your doctor will look for regions of inflammation, irregularity, and small growths called polyps as the scope moves through the colon. Any precancerous polyps will be removed and analyzed in a pathology lab.
The medical staff will monitor and observe you during the procedure to ensure your safety.
Following the colonoscopy, you will be monitored for a brief period before being allowed to rest at home with proper care instructions. It is normal to feel gassy or bloated following the procedure, although this should be minimal and short-lived. A regular diet can be resumed, and activities can generally be restarted the next day.
Don’t delay scheduling your colonoscopy if you are 45 or older — schedule your appointment today!
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