What Is A Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the health of the colon. It is given to help diagnose certain medical conditions, such as chronic constipation, renal failure, and conditions associated with hemorrhoids. The colonoscopy is also a diagnostic test which screens for signs of colon cancer by examining the presence of polyps . The presence of polyps is not an indication of cancer, though they do contribute to a predisposition for developing into caner. 90% of all polyps are benign and a small percentage of polyps called adenomatous polyps risk progression to malignancy depending on size and length of time the polyps have gone undetected.  The typical colonoscopy cost range is $500 to $1,000.  It is also the most accurate screening for colon cancer.

The actual procedure takes place in you doctor’s office. It consist of taking a long thin tube with a fiber optic camera attached to the end, called a colonsope and often referred to as an anal probe, inserting through the anus and traveling through the colon. The doctor observes the images on a screen, looking for any indication of the cause for the digestive or gastrointestinal disorder that brought you to see him in the first place, such as inflamations, infections, bleeding, ulcers and polyps. (Watch the colonoscopy video----->)

But starting about a week before the procedure, you need to start preparing. Your doctor should have informed you which medications and vitamins you should avoid. You only need to fast the day before the procedure. This means you should only consume clear liquids and stay away from any solid foods. Only clear liquids are allowed because those with artificial colorings can give the appearance of bleeding and that wouldn’t be good.

Your doctor is going to give you laxatives and possibly a cleansing solution you are to consume. The goal is to have a clear stool. Yes, it’s going to be uncomfortable so prepare yourself in advance by making sure you stay near a bathroom. Prepare the bathroom too with items that may make it more comfortable, such as aromatic candles, and some sort of balm or skin softener to help keep the skin around the anus from becoming too irritated. It’s normal to have diarrhea and excessive flatulence and even abdominal cramping, but if you begin to vomit consult your doctor.

After the procedure, you will need someone with you to drive you home. You will be given a sedative that will leave you disoriented and incapable of driving yourself. You will be extremely tired so take the time and sleep. When you come to, you will be extremely hungry. Just remember that a contributing factor to having this procedure has been your previous diet. This is a good time to begin a new nutritional diet, high in fiber and low in salt. Start living a new healthy lifestyle today.