What Happens During a Colonscopy?

The fear of the unknown is a very scary thing.  You know you should have a colonoscopy, but you just can't make yourself pick up the phone and schedule the procedure.  Why?  Fear.  The fear of the unknown.  The fear of not being sure exactly what happens during the procedure.

It is perfectly okay to be afraid of having a colonoscopy.  But, please don't let that stop you from making the appointment.  Today, we are going to share exactly what happens during a colonoscopy.  As always, if you have questions, please talk to your doctor.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that is performed by a gastroenterologist.  A long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end is used to look inside the colon and rectum.  During a colonoscopy, the doctor can identify ulcers, polyps, or irritated and swollen tissue in your intestine.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

• Talk to your gastroenterologist about what medications - both over the counter and prescription - that you are taking prior to the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Follow the doctor's instructions involving the prep prior to surgery

This is probably the part that most people fear.  You hear horror stories from friends and family about the bowel cleanse.  The purpose of cleansing the bowl is to remove all (or most of) the stool from your intestines to ensure the doctor is able to see everything clearly.  Your doctor will give you specific, written instructions on how to accomplish this for your situation.  However, most colonoscopy preps can involve:

• Clear diet 1-3 days prior to procedure
• Laxatives or enemas the day prior to the procedure
• Laxatives can be in pill or powder form.  Powdered form usually requires drinking large amounts of the mixture several times a day.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Colonoscopies are usually performed at a hospital or outpatient center.  Usually, the patient is given light anesthesia and pain medication to relax.  Medical staff will be on hand to monitor your vital signs and to help make you as comfortable as possible.  An IV will be placed in your arm to administer anesthesia prior to the procedure.

The patient will lie on a table as the doctor inserts the scope into your body and slowly looks at your rectum and colon.  The scope can inflate the large intestine with air enabling the doctor to see better.  The camera projects onto a computer screen, allowing the gastroenterologist to examine the tissue closely.  When the scope reaches the small intestine, the doctor slowly removes it while examining the large intestine again.

During the colonoscopy, the doctor can remove polyps to be sent for testing.  Polyps are common and usually harmless, but most colon cancers begin as a polyp.  Removing polyps early is a way to prevent cancer.  The doctor might also perform a biopsy.  This involves taking a small piece of tissue for further examination.  You will not feel the polyp removal or biopsy.

Colonoscopies usually take 30-60 minutes.  Often, patients ask "when do we start?" when the procedure has already been completed!

What Happens After the Procedure?

• 1-2 hour stay might be required after the procedure
• Cramping or bloating may occur 1-2 hours after the test
• Anesthesia takes awhile to wear off
• Full recovery is expected by the day following the procedure
• Normal diet can be resumed the day following the procedure
• Instructions will be given prior to discharge
• A friend or family member should drive the patient home
• If polyps or a biopsy was performed, light bleeding is normal
• Some results are available immediately after the procedure
• Biopsies usually take a few days to come back with results

Your doctor will go over these items and how to take care of yourself after the procedure.  Remember to call your doctor with any questions or concerns.  Your doctor will indicate signs of complications, and tell you what to do in those situations.

Isn't a 20 minute nap worth your life?

What are you waiting for? There is nothing to fear.  Pick up the phone and make the appointment today.  It could save your life.

For more information on screening, visit our colon cancer screening page.

Source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/

Colonoscopies and the Affordable Care Act

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act.  The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, implements comprehensive health insurance reform that will roll out over the next few years.

By 2014, all Americans will have access to affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  With these changes and improvements, you might have questions concerning coverage of colonoscopies under the ACA.

Check with your insurance provider for specific information for your health plan, but for a general overview on colonoscopies under the ACA, please visit our FAQs on Colonoscopies and the Affordable Care Act.

Also, make sure you visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation for more information about colon cancer prevention and diagnosis.

New Year's Resolutions

Happy 2014!

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions?  Most of us make resolutions to eat healthy and exercise more.  And, not only will these make you healthier, but they are also a great preventive measure against colon cancer!

Here are some tips to help you on your way:

1. Eat more fiber - you can get fiber in a multitude of ways: whole-plant foods, beans, tofu, whole grain breads and pastas, or nuts and seeds.  Check out this article by Dr. Fuhrman that discusses the benefits of beans.
2. Cut calories if you are overweight.  Try drinking seltzer water or flavored water, instead of sugary sodas or coffees.  Please see your doctor before beginning any diet or calorie restriction.
3. Limit your alcohol consumption.  It is recommended that women have no more than one drink a day, men can have two.  Also, keep an eye on your glass size - what you think might be one drink, could be more!
4. Limit red and processed meat.  Studies indicate processed meat could be linked to an increase chance of colon cancer.
5. Add garlic to your foods.  Recent studies indicate that garlic could inhibit colon tumor growth.
6. Drink milk and get more calcium.  Calcium has been shown to possibly decrease colon cancer risk.
7. Add those fruits and vegetables.  Not only are fruits and vegetables good for you, but they have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
8. Exercise.  You can walk.  Dance with your kids.  Ride your bike.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Just get moving!

No matter what other resolutions you make this year.... there is one you need to make and keep.  Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your colon cancer risk factors today.  

For more information on colon cancer prevention and symptoms, visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation.

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140102/LIFESTYLE03/301020006/Try-these-steps-reduce-your-risk-getting-colon-cancer