Colonoscopy & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
When you see the word colonoscopy what immediately comes to your mind? Unfortunately, it is usually viewed as an uncomfortable and humiliating procedure rather than a potentially life-saving exam. Many people would prefer to accept the risk of cancer rather than undergo this simple procedure. With proper preparation and knowledge, this procedure is not as scary and humiliating as it is made out to be.
There are two different kinds of colorectal cancer screening exams a gastroenterologist may use to examine the inside of the colon; a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy. Both of these exams use what is called an endoscope, a lighted, flexible instrument with a little camera on the end that allows them to see the inside of your digestive tract. Endoscopy has become one of the best diagnostic tools available for gastrointestinal specialists. It gives them the advantage of being able to see inside the colon, instead of making educated guesses as they had done before. It is completely safe and is even more accurate than an X-ray examination.
What Kinds of Procedures Are There?
A colonoscopy exam is one that allows the gastroenterologist to examine the rectum and the entire colon. The endoscope is gently eased inside the colon, allowing the gastroenterologist to see everything in the colon. What they are looking for are polyps, small growths that could be cancerous. Small amounts of air are pumped into the colon to help the gastroenterologist see clearly and to keep the colon open. The entire exam takes only about thirty minutes and patients are usually given medicine to help them relax or sleep during the procedure. Your gastroenterologist will discuss with you how often this procedure needs to be done depending on your personal risk for colon cancer. They also go over all colon cancer screening guidelines and any concerns or hesitations you might have.
A sigmoidoscopy exam is almost identical to a colonoscopy and is used when the gastroenterologist only needs to examine the lower parts of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. Again, the gastroenterologist is looking for polyps using an endoscope. A sigmoidoscopy only takes about ten to twenty minutes and the patient usually does not need medicine, however you can always discuss this option with your gastroenterologist before the procedure. This exam is usually done once every five years, but again, this depends on your personal risk for colon cancer. It is important to talk with your gastroenterologist to understand the need for these exams and to find out your risk for colon cancer.
What to Expect Before The Procedure
Like any medical procedure, it is normal to be a little anxious before a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. The gastroenterologists at GI Associates want you to be as calm and prepared as possible, and will go over all diet restrictions and colon cancer screening guidelines with you. The more cooperative and informed you are, the more successful the procedure is. It is important to follow all of the diet restrictions and to cleanse the body so the gastroenterologist can see everything in the gastrointestinal tract as clearly as possible. This is usually where more people find the procedure to be the most uncomfortable, but it is an important step to getting clear results. Once you are there, you will receive a gown to put on and will be placed in a comfortable position, usually on your left side with your knees bent. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored frequently and you will be given an I.V., through which you will receive the sedative. Many people sleep through the entire exam!
What to Expect After The Procedure
After the procedure your gastroenterologist will let you rest, allowing any effects from the medication to wear off. Some people experience some bloating and you may expel some air from your rectum as a result of the air that was pumped into the colon during the procedure. Some people experience soreness or a tender bump where the I.V. was inserted, but this varies from one person to another. Your gastroenterologist will let you know if there are any special instructions or a specific diet to following the procedure.
The gastrointestinal specialists at GI Associates will let you know when your exam is scheduled and when to start preparing for the exam. It is important to follow their instructions exactly in order to achieve accurate results. Because you will be given a sedative during the procedure, you will want to bring someone with you who can drive you home afterwards.