What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an important diagnostic and treatment tool to view the lower digestive system, including the colon.
Medical Conditions Which Can Be Diagnosed With a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an excellent screening tool to check for colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In addition, a colonoscopy may be used to diagnose:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Intestinal growths
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable bowel disease
When to Have a Colonoscopy
You should have your first colonoscopy by the time you are 45 years old. You should have additional colonoscopies every few years, as your gastroenterologist recommends. Your gastroenterologist may also order a colonoscopy if you are experiencing:
- Bleeding in your rectum
- Blood in your stool
- Chronic diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Frequent abdominal pain
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
The day before your colonoscopy, you will be placed on a liquid diet and take laxatives to clean out your colon. Since a colonoscopy is performed under sedation, it is necessary to bring someone with you who can drive you home after your procedure.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
A thin, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum and guided into your colon during the colonoscopy. The tube has a camera attached to one end, enabling your gastroenterologist to view your colon.
If your gastroenterologist finds abnormal tissue or growth, these can be removed and sent off for a biopsy if necessary. The biopsy can indicate if the tissue is benign or cancerous.
The colonoscopy procedure takes about 45 minutes, but you should plan on spending 2 to 3 hours in recovery due to sedation.
Want To Know More About a Colonoscopy?
To learn more about a colonoscopy and what to expect, call the gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Clinic. You can reach them at Downtown Monroe & West Monroe, LA, by calling (318) 325-2634 and Ruston, LA, by calling (318) 232-7080. Call today.