Colonoscopy Preparation
Colonoscopy Preparation
What is colonoscopy?
Based on various online medical resources, Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows an examiner to evaluate the inside of the colon (large bowel or large intestine). A colonoscope is a 4 foot long flexible tube about the thickness of a finger with a camera and a source of light at the tip. The colonoscope tip is inserted into the anus entry and then is advanced slowly under visual control into the rectum and through the colon usually as far as the cecum which is the first part of the colon.
Why is colonoscopy done?
Colonoscopy is said to be done for a variety of reasons (medical and non medical). Most often it is done to investigate causes of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in bowel habit, or an abnormality found on colonic X-rays or a computerized tomographic CT scan. Individuals with previous history of polyps or colon cancer and certain individuals with a family history of some types of non-colonic cancers or colonic problems that may be associated with colon cancer (such as ulcerative colitis and colonic polyps) may be advised to have periodic colonoscopies because their risks are greater for polyps or colon cancer. How often should one undergo colonoscopy depends on the degree of the risks and the abnormalities found at previous colonoscopies. More recently, it has been recommended that even healthy people at normal risk for colon cancer should undergo colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter, for the purpose of removing colonic polyps before they become cancerous.
What bowel preparation is needed for colonoscopy?
If the colonoscopy procedure is to be totally complete and accurate, the colon must be completely cleaned and there are several colonoscopy preparations. Patients are usually given instructions about the cleansing preparation. Normally, this consists of drinking a large volume of a special cleansing solution or several days of a clear liquid diet with laxatives or enemas prior to the examination. Colon Hydrotherapy or colonics is just one of the methods used by some to clean the colon before a colonoscopy. These instructions should be followed exactly as prescribed or the procedure may be unsatisfactory, and may have to be repeated, or a less accurate alternative test may be performed in its place.
More about Preparing for a Colonoscopy
Are you scheduled to have a colonoscopy? If it's your first time going through a colonscopy, you may have a few questions first. You may even be a bit apprehensive or scared. But many doctors routinely look in our ears and down our throats, so there's really no need to feel squeamish when it comes to an examination of our colon.
A colonoscopy is said to be a very useful procedure to help doctors and other medical practioners diagnose and prevent various problems in your lower intestine or colon. Every year thousands of Canadians have colonoscopies every year and colon hydrotherapy may be a colonscopy preparation suitable for you. Always speak with your doctor prior to undergoing such procedures.
During the colonoscopy procedure, a colonoscope (flexible tube) is carefully fed through your rectum and into your body's colon. This special colonscope is rigged with a light and video camera that allows the doctor or a qualified medical practioner to take a good look inside to see what's going on. It may sound a little overwhelming, but rest assured that your doctor will make every effort to make it easy on you.
Why do I have to have one?
Your doctor may recommend a colonscopy test if you have any of these unexplained symptoms:
abdominal pain
chronic diarrhea
bloody bowel movements
iron-deficiency anemia
a change in bowel habits
A colonoscopy can help with a diagnosis by ruling out various gastrointestinal conditions or confirming others.
Studies show many people just aren't having their insides examined often enough. Yet if your colon is checked over, it can actually reduce your risk of death from colorectal cancer.
A screening tool for colorectal cancer
Importantly, a colonoscopy is also considered the gold standard when it comes to screening for colorectal cancer. When your doctor takes a close look inside your colon, it's an opportunity to check out any abnormal-looking tissue, like tumours or polyps. Polyps are small growths that can sometimes develop into cancer.
Did you know that colorectal cancer (cancer that grows in the colon or rectum) is the third most common cancer in Canada? It's also the second leading cause of death from cancer. This year, about 22,000 Canadians were given a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. In fact, we have higher rates of this type of cancer here than in most other countries.
People at greater risk include those with a family history of colorectal cancer or those with inflammatory bowel disease. Smoking, being obese, and eating a high-fat, low-fibre diet are all factors that increase your risk.
This cancer usually affects people over the age of 50. If you're in a high-risk group for colorectal cancer, you should have a colonoscopy every five years. Even if you're in an average-risk group and have no troublesome symptoms, once you hit that half-century mark, you should sign up for a colonoscopy every 10 years. Your doctor will advise you on how often you will need to have a colonoscopy.
For information about colon hydrotherapy or colonics as a means of preparing for your colonoscopy, contact your Doctor or Medical Practitioner
Disclaimer: The information about cleasing your colon before your colonoscopy treatment is for informational purposes only and as always, please consult with your doctor prior to undergoing any treatment.