Colonoscopy What is it All About?

For many years we have been limited to seeing only the last foot or so of the rectum and colon. With the introduction of fiber optics in the late 70's the full colon became accessable. If you are old enough you may remember or heard of people undergoing a rigid scope exam in the doctors clinic called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy revealed only the bottom foot or so of the colon and rectum. Although this operation was recognized as limited it was the only approach available for visual evaluation of the colon until the late 70's.

In the late 70s ™and with the development of fiber optics the entire colon was opened up to us for direct visualization. This study which has led to great advances is known as colonoscopy. This study is preformed by passing a small diameter scope the bottom and passing it around the entire colon allowing visualization of the entire inside of the colon. Lesions or abnormalities inside the colon can be biopsied or removed. This allows the doctor to make a quick diagnosis of colon diseases as well as treat many conditions of the colon. For many years Doctors were unable to get this acciurate diagnosis and correct trearment that is now readily accessable due to the development of fiberoptic colonoscopes.

This study is routinely carried out with the patient lightly sedated and comfortable throughout the exam. Most have no memory of ther exam at all. The anesthesia is called iv sedation and the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the depth of general anesthesia and the patient may remember portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.

One of the most important reasons for a colonoscopy is to find and remove polyps from the colon. Polyps are small abnormal growths in the wall of the large bowel. Most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant ™ tell polyps are there until the colonoscopy is preformed. Finding these lesions is important in that we believe the majority of colon cancers arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years. By taking out these polyps we can reduce the risk and the development of colon cancer. The most beneficial way to treat this malignancy or cancer is to stop it before it ever gets started and the procedure is safe and relatively simple to perform. Colonoscopy could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

Indication for colonoscopy include the following, this is by no means a complete list.

Bright red rectal bleeding

Change in bowel habits diarrhea

Pain in the abdomen

Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool

Unexplained anemia

Personal history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Age 50 or greater with no prior colonoscopy and every 10 years thereafter

History of inflamatory bowel disease

If you fall into one of these categories you should discuss this with your personal physician and decide if this is right for you. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can save your life. Make sure that all polyps are removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps and then continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. By doing this we will hopefull be able to reduce the risk of colon cancer

If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Be sure to confer this issue with your physician and seek appropriate referral for a colonoscopy.

So be sure to get your colonoscopy to help guarantee your long and healthy life.