Something You Must Know About Colonoscopy Colonoscopy can actually be a life saving procedure as it is capable of detecting cancer. It isn’t always something to which patients are looking forward to but, it’s an effective yet easy way of preventing colon cancer before this becomes a deadly condition. By learning about some things to expect, it can actually help you to alleviate concerns that you have before going into the process. At the age of 50, both men and women have to consider undergoing the procedure. And not until they’re 75 years old, this procedure has to be repeated once every 5 to 10 years. It can be crucial to have such procedure done more frequently which depends on the doctor’s findings. As for those who have immediate relative who has been diagnosed with polyps or colon cancer before 60, they should start a screening at the age of 40. Anyone who has disorder that could predispose them to cancer risk similar to ulcerative colitis might have to undergo colonoscopy at an earlier age, which will be determined by a physician. Before starting with anything, you must know that only clear foods and liquids should be consumed including broth, water, tea, clear juices, gelatin and coffee without cream and never consume anything that’s purple, blue or red. Your doctor may also require you to stop taking medications for a specific period of time prior to the procedure. It might also be necessary to take antibiotics in some cases. Bowel preparation should be done in an effort to get a better view of the colon. Most of the time, this starts on the day before and include anything such as laxative pill that’s to be taken with enough fluids, prepared laxative solution that may be mixed with a sports drink or electrolyte solution and enema that is washing out the colon.
Getting To The Point – Wellness
As what instructed by your physician, you need to do it during your preparation. There’s a chance that the doctor will not be able to see clearly through your colon if this is not done according to specifications.
Getting To The Point – Wellness
An anesthesia will be used in order to sedate the patient throughout the procedure. If there are some things that the doctor is concerned of, he/she is going to remove anything that they might see. In addition to that, a biopsy may be taken for examination and the whole procedure may last for as quick as 20 minutes or as long as 1 hour. Afterwards, the patient can take a rest for an hour as the sedation wears off. It is recommended for the patient to have someone who will accompany them to go home because the sedation may make them feel drowsy. Expect feeling minimal cramps and discomfort.
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