Should You Get a Prague Colonoscopy or Not

Over the past 30 years we have made vast advances in the diagnosis of colon and rectal disease. If you are old enough you may recall or heard of people undergoing a rigid scope exam in the doctors clinic called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy allowed visualization of the very bottom of the colon and rectum. Although it was very rudimentary it served us well for many years.

In the late 1970, ™and with the development of fiber optics the entire colon was opened up to us for direct visualization. This study which has led to great advances is known as colonoscopy. In the study a small diameter fiber optic scope is placed through the anus and passed around the entire colon allowing first-class visualization of the entire inside or mucosal surface of the colon. Any polyps or colon lesions found at the time of colonoscopy can be painlessly biopsied, remove a small piece of the lesion, or removed. This assists in diagnosis and treatment of colon disease. Conditions that were difficult to diagnose in the past are now readily apparent with colonoscopy and biopsy. Many conditions that took years and sometimes surgery to diagnose are now diagnosed without incisions and as an outpatient.

We use light sedation for the studt and most patients have no memory of the study at all. Patients are comfortasble throughout and as mentioned rarely remember the study 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 Prague colonoscopy is to find and remove asymptomatic colon polyps. These are small abnormal growths in the large bowel and most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor can not ™ tell polyps are there until the colonoscopy is preformed. It is important to find and remove these lesions in that we believe that many colon cancers begin in these polyps after they have been present for many years. 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. Colonoscopy 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.

Bright red rectal bleeding

Change in bowel habits diarrhea

Unexplained chronic abdominal pain

Change in bowel habits diarrhea or constipation

Unexplained anemia

Personal or family history of colon polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.

History of Ulcerative colitis

This is by no means a complete list and if you fall into one of these categories consult with your doctor and decide if this is right for you. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can 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

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.

So be sure to get your Prague colonoscopy to help ensure your long and healthy life.