Cushing Colonoscopy What is it All About?

For many years we have been limited to seeing only the last foot or so of the rectum and colon. With the introduction of fiber optics in the late 70's the entire colon became accessable. i am sure many have heard scarey tales of people undergoing this process in the doctors office bent over a table. this study was known as a rigid sigmoidoscopy. This study revealed only the bottom 1/3 of the colon and entirely missed lesions in the majority of the colon. Although this operation was recognized as limited it was the only method available for visual evaluation of the colon until the late 70's.

In the late 1970, and advancement 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 fast diagnosis of colon diseases as well as treat many conditions of the colon. Many conditions that stumped doctors for years are now readily diagnoses soon after the exam.

This study is routinely carried out with the patient lightly sedated and comfortable throughout the exam. Most have no memory of ther exam 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.

One of the most important reasons for a colonoscopy is to find and remove polyps from the colon. Polyps are small growths in the colon and most are entirely asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant tell thay are present. ™ 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 these polyps will decrease the risk and the development of colon cancer. The best way to treat this malignancy or cancer is before it ever gets started 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, but this is by no means a comprehensive list.

Guiac positive stools

Chronic diarrhea

Unexplained chronic abdominal pain

Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Personal or family history of colon polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.

Any history of inflammatory bowel disease

If you fall into one of these categories consult with your personal physician and decide if this is something that is right for you. This simple and safe procedure is important and could save your life. Make sure that all polyps are removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies 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. At Cushing colonoscopy we encourage this approach.

If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Be sure to confer this issue with your physician and seek appropriate referral for a colonoscopy.

All the best and get your cushing colonoscopy to help guarantee your long and healthy life.