Scheduling a colonoscopy screening by a qualified professional is very important, particularly if the subject is over fifty years of age. Colon and rectal cancers are both easily cured if detected early. If a person waits too long, however, they become deadly. This is a situation which no one needs to face. It is, however, a very common problem because many people are afraid to have the procedure performed.
Normally, the patient meets with the colonoscopy MD, usually a surgeon, for an information meeting to discuss the procedure. During this meeting, the patient is advised how the procedure works, what the risks are, and a prescription is provided for the fluids that must one must drink to flush the system. This is important to insure that the colon is completely clear for visual purposes.
The patient is required to drink two doses of liquid. The first dose, taken early in the morning the day before the procedure, clears the bowel system of most excess matter. The same day, in the afternoon, the patient must drink a large bottle, in small increments every fifteen minutes, until the bowel is completely clear. This also allows the doctor conducting the colonoscopy in MD to be certain that no bowel accidents will happen during the procedure.
It is also important to note that no solid foods are allowed during the prior day period. Again, this is to insure that the colon remains clear to avoid complications. Frankly, this day is the most difficult period due to being hungry. The actual procedure is very easy.
On the scheduled morning, one is usually required to report to the hospital or screening facility early in the morning. A change into a hospital gown is required and then one is shown to a surgical bed. General anesthesia is administered while in bed and the MD then conducts the colonoscopy. A small probe with a camera attached is inserted into the rectum and gently pushed upward to survey the entire colon. Photographs are taken as it goes forward and any polyps found are removed. After removal they are then examined to determine if they are cancerous. Normally they are benign, but any findings that could be cancerous are further studied to insure accuracy.
When the patient awakes, they are allowed time to recover from the anesthesia and then released to dress. The surgeon who performed the colonoscopy usually visits the individual before release and discusses findings noted. Copies of photographs taken are usually made available to the patient with a write-up showing the outcome of the screening.
Once completed, the patient is released. Normally, the first thing they want to do is go out for a meal because of their hunger. It is probably one of the best meals ever eaten and it is accompanied by relief that the process is over. Depending on findings, repeat screenings are usually recommended every three, five or ten years.
Completion of this procedure is so important to analyzing one's good health that it should not be feared or avoided. In this way, a major cause of cancer can be eliminated or cured easily. Don't be afraid.
Author Resource:-
Advanced Endoscopy Center of Howard County, LLC. is a colonoscopy MD specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system. (http://www.drschub.com/) drschub.com
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