Over the past 30 years we have made vast advances in the diagnosis of colon and rectal disease. Many individuals are turned off from colonoscopy by stories of the old method of evaluating the rectum and colon called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. This study revealed only the bottom 1/3 of the colon and totally missed lesions in the majority of the colon. Although this operation was recognized as limited it was the only technique available for visual evaluation of the colon until the late 70′s.
In the late 70s and progression in technology led to fiber optics that allowed visualization of the entire colon and rectum. This study is known today as a colonoscopy. In the examination the doctor will pass a small fiber optic scope Through the anus and pass it around the entire colon allowing superior visualisation of the whole inside or mucosal surface of the large bowel. Lesions or abnormalities inside the colon can be biopsied or removed. This allows the doctor to make a rapid diagnosis of colon diseases as well as treat many conditions of the colon. With this improved method of examination of the colon a correct diagnosis and treatment are much more likely. This will lead to correct treatment.
This procedure is routinely preformed in an outpatient setting with sedation to make the patient comfortable and in fact most patient have no memory of the study at all The type of sedation used 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 some patient may have some recall portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.
An important way colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in most people. Polyps are small abnormal growths in the wall of the large bowel. Most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant tell they are there until the colonoscopy. Colon cancers may arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years so it is important that they be removed to decrease this risk. The removal of buy Strontium Bone Maker online these polyps will decrease the risk and the development of colon cancer. Treating this malignancy or cancer is before it ever gets started is by far tha best way to treat this disease and the procedure is safe and relatively simple to perform. The use of this study and the subsequent removal of polyps could go far to reduce the risk of this common malignancy.
Indication for colonoscopy include the following, this is by no means a complete list.
Guiac positive stools
Unexplained diarrhea
Chronic abdominal pain
Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool
Unexplained iron deficiency anemia
Personal history of polyps
Family history of colon cancer or polyps
Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.
History of Ulcerative colitis
If you fall discount purchase cialis into one of these categories you should discuss this with your personal physician and decide if this is right for you. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can save your life. Make sure that all polyps are removed and generic cialis prices that you continue to get colonoscopies order cialis until your colon is clear of all polyps and then continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. By doing this we will hopefull be able to reduce the risk of colon cancer
I encourage you to discuss this issue with your personal physician. If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Any questions or concerns you may have should be discussed with your physician and this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advise.
All the best and get your colonoscopy to help guarantee your long and healthy life.
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This post was written by admin on August 21, 2010
