Stroud 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 full colon became accessable. If you are old enough you may remember or heard of people undergoing a rigid scope exam in the doctors clinic called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy revealed only the bottom foot or so 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 last 30 years ™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. This study is preformed by passing a small diameter scope the bottom and passing it around the entire colon allowing visualization of the entire inside 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 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.

One of the main reasons to preform colonoscopy is to find and remove asymptomatic colon polyps. Polyps are small abnormal growths in the wall of the large bowel. 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 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 colonoscopy and the removal of polyps could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

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

Guiac positive stools

Change in bowel habits diarrhea

Chronic abdominal pain

Change in bowel habits diarrhea or constipation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Follow up for history of 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 you should discuss this with your personal physician 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. With this practice we can markedly decrease 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. Any concerns you have should be discussed with your personal physician and this article is for informational purposes only.

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