Colonoscopy is a minor surgical operation that requires the doctor to examine the inside of the colon. Colonoscopy requires using either a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera which is put on a flexible tube. The colonoscope is then placed into the colon by passing it through the rectum. The procedure is used to test for gastrointestinal symptom like diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, rectal and intestinal bleeding, irregularity found from a colon x- ray or a CT scan or abdominal pain.
In order to make this procedure successful proper preparations must be adhered to by the patient. The first task is to make sure that the colon are cleaned of all solid waste, this procedure will take about 3 days to complete before the procedure begins. Cleaning the colon is important because it allows the specialists to properly examine the colon. On the first day of the detox process, the patient must adhere to a diet filled with fiber and clear liquids, like apple juice, lemonade, lemon-lime soda for flushing.
Keeping the body hydration is very important for this process to be successful. Persons should avoid drinking orange juice, prune juice, milk and other liquids that are colored such as purple, orange drinks except for cola and in some cases black coffee. The patient should also avoid aspirin-like medicines such as ibuprofen and salicylate for up to ten days before the colonoscopy in order to avoid the risk of bleeding while a polypectomy is done during the procducer.
Before the colonoscopy procedure, the person is given a laxative in the form of liquids like sodium picosulfate or magnesium citrate or pills along with large amounts of water in order to endorse stool movement. In some cases a solution of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes are given to flush the digestive system. On this day the patient should stay home so they can always access the toilet facilities. Vaseline cream should be placed around the rectum prior to taking the laxative. After the stool has been passed it is suggested that the patient use wet wipes instead of toilet papers to clean up and then take a seat in a bathtub filled with heated water for approximately 10 - 15 minutes. After exiting the bathtub, blot the skin around the anus with a soft cloth and then apply Vaseline on the rectum. Use a cotton ball to dry up the leaking fluid from outside the anus area.
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On the day of the colonoscopy procedure, patients are normally given pain-relieving drugs and a sedative to help the body in the relaxation process. The patient will then be asked to wear a hospital gown and tested with a digital rectal examination to find out the condition of the sphincter. This is done in order to ensure that the colon is properly cleaned.
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