Facts about Colonoscopy

Facts about Colonoscopy If it is your job to prep a patient for a colonoscopy, they may ask many questions, especially if it is their first one, or if they have to get one due to an underlying condition.

A colonoscopy is a test that enables a doctor to look at the in inner lining of your large intestine, which is the rectum and colon. They use a very thin flexible tube to look at the colon, which allows the doctor to check for ulcers, colon Polyps, tumors, or inflammation and bleeding. Tissue samples may be collected and sent to a lab to check for cancer or precancerous growths. The tube is very flexible, and has a small video camera attached at the end, so that the doctor can take pictures and videos of the colon. The test allows the doctor to view the entire colon and lower part of the intestines.

A colonoscopy is more complete than a sigmoidoscopy, which shows only the rectum and bottom portion of the colon.

Related: News Media in Hospitals Preparing for the Colonoscopy You have probably heard from anyone that has undergone this procedure, the worst part is the preparation. If you regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen products, you’ll be advised not to take them 5 days prior to the procedure, and for 3 days after. (Due to bleeding complications) The preparation procedures take a day in most cases, and involve eating no solid foods for an entire day. Liquids, broth, and jello can usually be eaten, however, it is very important to not consume red jello, or drink anything red or purple.

That can resemble blood, and make for complications in the test. You will be required to begin drinking a solution mix at some point during the day, along with taking laxative pills to ensure your colon is clean. The preparation requires that you are close to a restroom as it begins to work. Do not be tempted to have a snack outside of the acceptable list provided by your doctor. This will stop the test completely, and insurance may not pay for another for some time. You may eat directly following the procedure, so you may want to schedule it for early morning.

What to Expect A colonoscopy is painless, as you are asleep. The test only lasts about 20 minutes, and recovery is less than one hour. There is no pain afterwards, and the process itself is painless. Some people experience minimal cramping after the procedure. You will arrive for your test, and provide information to your nurse. They will have you change into a gown, and an IV will be started with saline, so that later the anesthesiologist can provide

medication to have you sleep. You will be asked questions by your nurse, and then the anesthesiologist will go over a series of questions as well. Be sure you have a list of any and all medications that you take, including those over the counter. Once you are rolled into the procedure room, you will be instructed to lie on your side. The anesthesiologist will administer sleep medication, and the next thing you will be aware of, is waking up in recovery. Your doctor will come and discuss the results of your procedure while you are in recovery. As soon as you feel alert enough to walk, you will be discharged.

Related: Common Intestinal Disorders When to Have a Colonoscopy As a general rule, age 50 is the recommended age to start routine colonoscopies. There are exceptions to this, if you suffer from any bowel disorder or have a strong family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend a Colonoscopy before age 50. For routine colonoscopies, the follow ups are generally 3-5 years, or what your physician prescribes.

Many people dread colonoscopies, let's face it, that is not an area of the body that people want worked on. The fact is, it won't hurt, and it can save your life. This is a simple procedure that will require one day off work. With some preliminary prep time, and a few hours for the outpatient visit, you are back to normal. You will be required to have a ride the day of your procedure, as you will be put to sleep, you cannot drive the remainder of the day. The entire stay at the hospital can be up to 4 hours, however, is usually less than 2. Any polyps found during the procedure will be removed and examined in a lab to determine if they contain cancer cells. Most polyps are benign; however, they are removed to ensure they do not develop further.

Colon cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable. Without early intervention, it may not be treatable; a colonoscopy is worth having for peace of mind. A quick and painless procedure is well worth your time, and your life. It is important for each one of your patients over 50 to keep this in mind.

Related: Leading Registered Nurse, Hope Hutslar, RN, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter