Are you due for a colonoscopy? This essential screening tool is crucial for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions. In this informative blog post, we'll discuss what you can expect during a colonoscopy procedure and why it's vital for maintaining your digestive health.
How to Prepare for Your Colonoscopy
Before your colonoscopy, you'll need to cleanse your colon to ensure that your doctor has a clear view of your digestive tract. This typically involves following a special diet and using laxatives or enemas to empty your bowels. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure.
Preparation usually begins a few days before the colonoscopy. You'll be asked to follow a low-fiber diet and avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables. The day before the procedure, you'll switch to a clear liquid diet, which may include water, clear broths, plain tea or coffee, and sports drinks.
In the evening before your colonoscopy, you'll begin taking a prescribed laxative solution to clear your bowels. This process can be uncomfortable and may involve frequent trips to the bathroom, so it's essential to stay close to a toilet and stay well-hydrated.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
On the day of your colonoscopy, you'll be asked to change into a hospital gown and given an IV line to administer sedation. The sedation will help you relax and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Once you're sedated, your doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera attached (called a colonoscope) into your rectum and guide it through your colon. The camera allows your doctor to examine the lining of your colon for any abnormalities, such as polyps or inflammation.
If your doctor finds any polyps during the procedure, they may remove them immediately using special instruments passed through the colonoscope. Polyps are small growths on the lining of the colon that can potentially turn cancerous over time. By removing them during the colonoscopy, your doctor can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
In some cases, your doctor may also take tissue samples (biopsies) during the colonoscopy to test for any signs of disease or inflammation. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The entire colonoscopy procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on whether any polyps are found and removed.
What to Expect After Your Colonoscopy
Following your colonoscopy, you'll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. You may feel groggy and disoriented for a few hours after the procedure, so it's essential to have someone available to drive you home.
You may also experience some cramping, bloating, or gas after the colonoscopy, but these side effects should subside within a few hours. It's normal to pass some gas and have a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement after the procedure.
Your doctor will discuss any findings from your colonoscopy with you, either immediately after the procedure or at a follow-up appointment. If any polyps were removed, your doctor will explain the results of the laboratory analysis and recommend a follow-up screening schedule based on the type and number of polyps found.
DON'T WAIT TO BOOK YOUR COLONOSCOPY APPOINTMENT
Whether you're approaching the age where you need a colonoscopy or you're worried about an increased risk of colon conditions, don't wait to book your colonoscopy or to consult a doctor. Everyone, regardless of how healthy they may be, needs a routine colonoscopy. If you’re in Los Angeles, contact me today to schedule an appointment or learn more about when you'll need a colonoscopy.
Remember, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women, but it's also highly treatable when caught early. By staying up to date with your colonoscopy screenings, you can take a proactive step in protecting your digestive health and overall well-being.