Drumright Colonoscopy A Simple Operation That Can Save Your Life

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 scary tales of people undergoing this operation in the doctors office bent over a table. this study was known as a rigid sigmoidoscopy. This study allowed the visualisation of the very bottom of the colon and rectum. Although it was much less accurate than current techniques it did allow us to visualize the bottom of the colon and rectum and served us well for many years.

In the late 70s ™and with the exploitation of new technology the entire colon was noe accessable to us for direct visualization and diagnosis. This study is known today as a colonoscopy. In the study a small diameter fiber optic scope is placed through the anus and passed around the full colon allowing first-class visualization of the entire inside or mucosal surface of the colon. Small or large lesions can be visualized and biopsy, or removal of small pieces of tissue can be preformed allowing painless and rapid diagnosis of a variety of colon diseases. For many years Doctors were unable to get this acciurate diagnosis and correct trearment that is now readily accessable due to the development of fiberoptic colonoscopes.

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 anesthesia is called iv sedation and the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the depth of general anesthesia and the patient may remember portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.

One of the main reasons to preform Drumright colonoscopy is to find and remove asymptomatic colon polyps. 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 study is preformed. 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. By taking out these polyps we can reduce 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. This simple procedure could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

Indication for colonoscopy include the following, but this is by no means a comprehensive list.

Guiac positive stools

Change in bowel habits diarrhea

Pain in the abdomen

Constipation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Follow up for history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Age 50 or greater with no prior colonoscopy and every 10 years thereafter

History of inflamatory 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. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can save your life. If is critical that any polyps be removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps and then continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. With this practice we can cut the risk and hopefully the incidence of colon cancer.

I encourage you to discuss this issue with your personal MD. 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.

So be sure to get your Drumright colonoscopy to help guarantee your long and healthy life.