should You Get a Oklahoma Colonoscopy or Not?

Over the past 30 years we have made vast advances in the diagnosis of colon and rectal disease. The old method of evaluating the colon was a rigid sigmoidoscopy and was usually preformed in the doctors office while bent over a table. the procedure was uncomfortable but was all we had. 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 1970, 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 study a small diameter fiber optic scope is placed through the anus and passed around the entire colon allowing high-quality 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 fast 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 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 is not a general anesthetic. since this is not a general anesthetic a few patients may have some memory of the study.

An important way Oklahoma colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in most people. These are small growths in the colon and 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 these polyps will decrease the risk and the development of colon cancer. The most beneficial way to treat this malignancy or cancer is to stop it 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, this is by no means a complete list.

Bright red rectal bleeding

Chronic diarrhea

Unexplained chronic abdominal pain

Change in bowel habits diarrhea or constipation

Unexplained anemia

Personal history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Age 50 or greater without prior colonoscopy and then every 10 years thereafter

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. An important point is that all polyps be removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps. You should continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. With this practise we can cut the risk and hopefully the incidence of colon cancer.

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 Oklahoma colonoscopy to help guarantee your long and healthy life.