Colonoscopy Procedure: A Closer Look
Colonoscopy procedure. Sounds very clinical and surgical right? To those who have no idea on what this procedure is all about, then it is high time that you get enlightened because this might be the very procedure that will save your life or that of your loved one.
Colonoscopy Procedure Defined
In simple terms, colonoscopy procedure means looking inside the colon. The colon is the inside part of the lower large intestine, and is thus, the last part of your gastrointestinal organs. Often, it is referred to as the bowel. Actually, the colon is a hollow tube and its fundamental function is to temporarily store the unabsorbed food product before the body excretes it. With the colonoscopy procedure, the colon is thoroughly examined so as to determine the possible bowel disorders that might be occurring in the area.
How does colonoscopy procedure work?
When you go to the hospital for the colonoscopy procedure the nurses will take the routine tests — heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They will keep monitoring the status of these during the entire procedure. Usually, the procedure is done without anesthesia, just IV fluids.
Once you are comfortable enough, the physician will then conduct a rectal exam. A lubricated colonoscope will gently be inserted. When the physician reaches the cecum, the beginning of the colon, the scope will cautiously be withdrawn and your colon will be examined. Your physician will look for polyps or any other possible problems in your gastrointestinal tract.
In certain cases, a biopsy is taken during the colonoscopy procedure. The biopsy is a sample of your tissue and this can be obtained by using sophisticated forceps. Once a biopsy has been taken, the doctors will conduct some tests in the tissue samples. This way, they can identify whatever is causing the aberrant behavior in your bowel movement. Further, the biopsy testing will help in determining whether or not you do have colon cancer. The entire procedure usually lasts for just about 20-45 minutes.
The risks involved
Colonoscopy procedure is pretty much a safe medical procedure. However, one cannot actually say that it is 100% safe. Like any other things in life, some risks are involved. Complications might occur, but this is usually very rare. One can develop irritation or allergies to the antibiotics or sedatives given at the start of the procedure. Perforation, or a puncture in the intestinal wall, may occur but this can be corrected through surgical repair.
If polyps have been found or removed, hemorrhage may occur. In this case, blood transfusion is required and the reinsertion of the colonscope is done. To reiterate however, these complications are actually very rare.
The benefits
One of the major benefits of colonoscopy procedure is that it enables early detection of colon cancer without the need to go into a surgery. In addition, this procedure is far more accurate than just your regular x-ray exams of the colon.
The fact that the colon has been thoroughly examined means that the detected polyps in the colon can be removed right then and there and this one major step tool in helping prevent colon cancer.
Now that you have a better understanding of colonoscopy procedure, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. If you feel that there is something amiss in your bowel movement, do not hesitate to have yourself examined. It is better for you to be sure than to let this instance and discover later on that you do have colon cancer.