Colonoscopy What is it All About?

For many years the diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal disease was limited to visualization of only the last foot or so of the colon. 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. This study allowed the visualization of the very bottom of the colon and rectum. Although it was very rudimentary it served us well for many years.

In the late 1970™s and with the development of fiber optics the entire colon was opened up to us for direct visualization. This study is known today as a colonoscopy. In the study a small diameter fiber optic scope is placed through the anus and passed around the entire colon allowing excellent visualization of the entire inside or mucosal surface of the colon. Small or large lesions can be visualized and biopsy, or removal of small pieces of tissue can be preformed allowing painless and rapid diagnosis of a variety of colon diseases. Many conditions that stumped doctors for years are now readily diagnoses soon after the exam.

The exam is preformed with the patient sedated and comfortable throughout the exam. The anesthesia is called iv sedation and the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the depth of a general anesthesic and the patient may remember small 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. These are small growths in the colon and most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor can™t tell they are there until the colonoscopy. 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 removing these polyps we can decrease the risk and the development of colon cancer. The best way to treat this malignancy or cancer is before it ever gets started and the procedure is safe and relatively simple to perform. This simple procedure could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

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

Rectal bleeding

Unexplained diarrhea

Unexplained chronic abdominal pain

Change in bowel habits diarrhea or constipation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Follow up for history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

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

Any history of inflammatory bowel disease

If you fall into one of these categories consult with your personal physician and decide if this is something that is right for you. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can save your life. If is critical that any polyps be removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps and then continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. With this practice we can markedly reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Any concerns you have should be discussed with your personal physician and this article is for informational purposes only.

All the best and get your colonoscopy to help ensure your long and healthy life.