Colonoscopy Procedures: 5 Significant Details About this Golden Standard Test for Colon Cancer


Colonoscopy procedures are a vital part of detecting colon cancer. Recently, the American Cancer Society released new guidelines. The organization recommends men and women to undergo colon cancer screening at age 45. 

Colon Cancer remains the third most common cancer in the world. More than 100,000 people die every year because of this malignant condition. With early screening, colon cancer can be treated successfully. 

Are Colonoscopy Procedures Diagnostic? 

A colonoscopy is a golden standard test. It is diagnostic and therapeutic. If your doctor saw polyps, he could remove them, send them to the lab to know whether or not they are malignant. 

Doctors handling the procedure would go through the whole colon, which is around five to six feet.

Unfortunately, not all insurance companies are on board with the new guidelines. Most people are also not in agreement when having a colonoscopy. The majority of them would choose a stool-based test. 

Insurers will only pay for one of the tests but not both. This can be a problem because colonoscopy can cost a lot of money. 

Still, if you are 45, you should start to get screened for colon cancer. It does not have to be a colonoscopy. Check with your physician. 

How painful is a colonoscopy? 

The procedure itself is not at all painful. The preparation for the procedure is the one that gives discomfort. It can take a few days to prepare your colon for it. 

Gastroenterologists performed this type of procedure. They specialize in issues and conditions that are related to your digestive tract. 

You will lie on your side before the procedure begins. A medication is given intravenously. It will make you sleepy. 

The doctor will insert a flexible tube in your rectum. The tube has a tiny light and camera that enables the doctor to find any abnormalities, such as ulcers and polyps. 

When your doctor sees some polyps, they are removed using a looped wire. That’s why this procedure is also therapeutic as any questionable polyps can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 40%. 

Once the tube is inside you, you cannot feel it. The reason for this is that you are fully sedated. When you are awake, the procedure will be over. You will not remember having it at all. 

Complete sedation is optional. If you do not want to be fully sedated during the procedure, you can talk to your doctor about it in advance. 

What is Sedation for a Colonoscopy? 

Sedation may be necessary for a colonoscopy. However, some patients would want to opt-out of sedation. In a study, 5% of patients who underwent without sedation experienced no pain but 41% experienced mild pain. 

Thus, researchers said that colonoscopy without sedation is possible in most patients. However, sedation is still the more cost-effective option. It is also safer. 

As regards to sedation drugs, your doctor will determine the perfect sedation for your situation. You may be given just mild sedation or anesthesia. Before the procedure, doctors may utilize one of the following sedatives: 

  • Propofol
  • Promethazine
  • Meperidine 
  • Fentanyl 
  • Propofol
  • Diazepam
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Midazolam 


The dose and drugs will depend on your age, race, gender, and drug use history. 

Colonoscopy Procedure Time: How long does a colonoscopy take? 

The procedure can take around 20 minutes. However, it depends on some factors. If your physician finds a growth or polyp, he will take a biopsy sample and send it off to a lab for further testing. 

If you experience bleeding after the polyp has been removed, your doctor may use another heat source to stop the bleeding. 

In other words, if your case is complicated, the entire procedure can take more than 20 minutes. But it is a necessary procedure, especially if you have a medical history of colorectal cancer or if your doctor suspects of some polyps in your colon.


Colonoscopy Recovery: How to Recover? 

After the procedure, you will wait for at least an hour before you can fully recover from the effects of the sedatives or anesthesia. 

Once you are fully recovered, you can eat and drink anything that is gentle on your digestive system. You may still feel the urge to defecate because of the effects of those laxatives you took before the procedure. 

To prevent dehydration, you need to drink a lot of water. Make sure to only eat fluid-based foods. You may eat a soft diet or food after the procedure. 

Your doctor may also recommend eating low-fiber food that you can easily digest and produce less stool. 

You may drink beverages with electrolytes, like Gatorade. Or you may just drink more water, fruit juice or vegetable juice. Herbal tea is also great. 

For food, you may eat saltine crackers, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, and other healthy options. But you must avoid food options that are difficult to digest. 

These food options would include spicy foods and those that contain a high amount of fiber. Greasy food is not allowed as it causes you to feel nauseated. 

You may expect to expel more gas than you normally do. In that case, you should avoid carbonated beverages as they can just add more gas to your body. 

Even if the result is negative, you must start taking care of your colon. It is a part of your digestive system that you need to take care of to help you maintain a healthy life. 

You should start eating more fruits and vegetables. Opt for lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. If you can avoid dairy, then that would be better. 

Your gut will thank you if you avoid high-sugar foods and desserts. It is also beneficial to stop eating foods that are high in saturated fats. Avoid red meat and processed meat as well. 

If you wish to have good colon health, make sure to avoid smoking cigarettes or even vaping. Furthermore, you must stay active. 

Start a regular exercise routine. You do not need to exercise for more than an hour. Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day will help in reducing your insulin levels. It also helps in keeping your weight down. 

In a study, researchers found that people who are physically active are less likely to have colon cancer compared to those who do not exercise regularly

Terminus


Colonoscopy procedures can take at least 20 minutes to complete. Sedation may be necessary but you may opt not to have one. Even though the procedure can be nerve-racking considering that a tube is inserted into your rectum, it is a necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

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