Important Things To Know About Colonoscopy and Polypectomy

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to diagnosis and treat many of the diseases of the colon (large intestine). This procedure is carried out with a colonoscope, a flexible tube of the width of a finger. This instrument is inserted through the rectum into the colon and allows the doctor to perform a thorough examination of the intestinal wall. Colonoscopy is used to confirm suspected pathology, allowing a closer look at the lesions of the colon. Thus, colonoscopy is currently considered a more accurate study than barium enema and x-rays. If the doctor sees any abnormalities in the colon and wants to evaluate the injury in more detail, he will pass an instrument through the colonoscope and take a sample of tissue (biopsy) which will be examined at the laboratory.

What Is A Polypectomy?

Sometimes the colonoscope is used to locate or remove polyps. Polyps are tumor masses that are prominent in the light of the digestive tract. Polyps are lesions originating in the intestinal mucosa and may be the result from an alteration in the maturation of the mucosa or can result from an inflammatory process. Polyps are usually benign, although some may be precursors to cancer and they may need to be removed. The removal of a polyp is called a Polypectomy. This is accomplished through the passage of a wire loop through the colonoscope, which takes the base of the polyp and removes it from the mucosa through a mild electrical current, which causes no pain. Early detection of a suspicious polyp and removal via colonoscopy prevents the development of cancer. Colonoscopic Polypectomy is a simple procedure that allows the patient to return to their normal life in a day or two. It also prevents the patient from having a more complex surgery down the road.

What Exactly Occurs During A Colonoscopy?

When you go for a colonoscopy, a colon enema will be done. The procedure is usually performed with complete sedation. During the colonoscopy, the doctor inserts the colonoscope into the anus and checks inside of the intestine. If it is necessary, he will take a tissue sample (biopsy) for analysis. The procedure usually lasts 60 minutes and then you can feel some abdominal discomfort or gas for a short period of time.

Is There Any Special Preparation That Is Necessary?

Colonoscopy requires special preparation by the patient. The bowel must be completely emptied. To achieve this, you need a liquid diet and laxatives before colonoscopy. Prior to the procedure, the doctor will give you instructions about diet. It may also be necessary to perform enemas. This preparation for colonoscopy is done at home. Inadequate preparation of the colon before the test can result in failure to get a clear look at the colon walls and the test may require a repeat.

What Can Be Anticipated After the Colonoscopy?

After the colonoscopy, you should rest for at least 1 or 2 hours until the anesthesia has worn off.  Although abdominal discomfort and gas are effects that usually pass quickly, you should not drive your car on the way home. It is preferable that you have a family member or friend do the driving.

Are There Complications From These Procedures?

Colonoscopy and Polypectomy have very low incidence of complications. There may be mild irritation to the vein of the arm where the injection was placed for the anesthesia.  Perforation of colon during colonoscopy rarely occurs. In this case, it is necessary to perform an abdominal surgery to close the hole in the wall of the intestine. This complication is very rare because all steps are taken to prevent this from happening.

History

The colonoscope was developed in 1960 and was preceded by other instruments used to examine the stomach. The first flexible tool to study the interior of the stomach was the gastrocamera and then the gastroscope. Gastroscope was later modified to examine the large intestine (colonoscope).  Since then, there have been many enhancements in the technique, and it is greatly improved. The current colonoscopy allows the entire medical team to see and screen the inside of the colon through the camera that has the scope.

Long Distance Telephone Appointments

If you are not local to the clinic, Michelle Honda PhD Holistic Doctor can conduct telephone appointments with you very easily. So if you are anywhere in North America, you can now successfully receive high end, specialized help for your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you are local to the clinic in Hamilton, Toronto or Mississauga Ontario – by all means come in for your appointment. If not, telephone appointments are very popular and convenient.