Get Your Stillwater Colonoscopy It Is uncomplicated

Until comparatively recently diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon and rectum was complicated due to problems visualizing the colon. In the last 30 years great advances have been made. Many individuals are turned off from colonoscopy by stories of the old approach of evaluating the rectum and colon called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy revealed only the bottom foot or so of the colon and rectum. Although it was very rudimentary it served us well for many years.

In the late 70s 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 examination the doctor will pass a small fiber optic scope Through the anus and pass it around the entire colon allowing superior visualization of the whole inside or mucosal surface of the large bowel. Small or large lesions can be visualized and biopsy, or removal of small pieces of tissue can be preformed allowing painless and quick diagnosis of a variety of colon diseases. 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.

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

An important way stillwater colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in most people. These are small abnormal growths in the large bowel and most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor can not ™ tell they are there until the study is preformed. Finding polyps is critical because we believe that colon cancers arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years. 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. Colonoscopy could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

Some of the indication for Stillwatercolonoscopy are, and this is by no means a complete list.

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Unexplained diarrhea

Chronic abdominal pain

Constipation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Personal history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.

History of inflamatory bowel disease

If you fall into one of these categories you should discuss this with your personal physician and decide if this is right for you. This simple and safe procedure is important and could 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 markedly decrease the incidence of colon cancer.

If you live in the Stillwater area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Any concerns you have should be discussed with your personal physician and this article is for informational purposes only.

All the best and get your Stillwater colonoscopy to help ensure your long and healthy life.