Colonoscopy
Many patients who develop colon cancer or rectal cancer have no obvious risk factors or visible symptoms. Until the disease has progressed. If you have a colon, you are at risk for colon cancer and should begin preventative screenings by age 45.
The American Cancer Society estimates that doctors in the United States will diagnose 106,590 new cases of colon cancer. 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer in 2024. And over 52,000 of these individuals would die from the disease. While for men, out of all the cancers, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of death.
Whereas for women, it is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death. However, there is no difference in when a female should get a colonoscopy vs a male. There is good news and not-so-good news. Year over year, the death rate for older adults has declined. Due to early detection, the removal of precancerous polyps, and early intervention.
The flip side is that the death rate for younger patients has increased by about 1% each year. In response, medical guidelines have changed, reducing the recommended age to begin screening to 45 years.
Colonoscopy - Procedure Overview
During a colonoscopy, the doctor sedates the patient to detect early signs of or diagnose colon or rectal cancers. The procedure allows a doctor to examine a patient’s rectum and colon using a colonoscopy.
A thin, flexible tool with an attached camera to identify areas of irritation. Such as ulcers, swelling, polyps, and cancer. If the doctor finds polyps, they can remove them during the procedure.
Who Should Have a Colonoscopy?
The new recommendation reduces the screening age for colon cancer to 45. Moreover, addresses the increase in the number of colorectal deaths in patients. Especially under 50 that has occurred over the past several years. The incidence of colorectal cancer in patients under the age of 50 is approximately 1 in 7. Unfortunately, by the time most people develop symptoms of colon cancer, the disease is already in advanced stages.
Anyone aged 45 and up should undergo their first colon cancer screening. Afterward, they should undergo screening every ten years. Particularly, if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. As well as Lynch syndrome, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Then it would help if you consider having more frequent screenings. Therefore, consult the doctor about getting an earlier screening.
How Do Doctors Perform Colonoscopy?
At our advanced endoscopy center – after, sedation, the gastroenterologist inserts a colonoscope into your rectum. This colonoscope, equipped with a light and a tiny camera. Only 1/2″ in diameter and helps guide the gastroenterologist as they inspect the walls of the colon. However, if the doctor discovers any polyps, they will most likely remove them during the procedure.
Once the gastroenterologist has examined the whole length of the intestine for problem areas. Then they will remove the colonoscope. Finally, the medical staff will take you to a special area to recover. Furthermore, the entire procedure takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Although, women have slightly longer intestines. As a result, the female colonoscopy procedure takes a little longer to perform than one for a male.
- The medical staff will administer medication through an IV to make you fall asleep.
- Additionally, the medical staff will check your vital signs. Then they will position you on your left side on the exam table.
- The medical professionals will ensure you have a ride home because you will be unable to drive. Some centers will not even begin the procedure until they know your ride is there.
- You will be asked how your preparation went the night before to determine if your colon will be clear enough to perform the procedure. Otherwise, the medical staff will most likely reschedule your procedure.
Colonoscopy Pre-Procedure Special Preparations
If you take routine medications, your doctor will give you specific instructions on when to stop taking them, if necessary.
STEP 1: Adjust Your Diet
About a week before the procedure, you will need to avoid:
- Corn Kernels.
- Raw Veggies.
- Nuts and Seeds.
- Whole Grain Products (brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread).
Furthermore, you should avoid some medications. For at least 7 days before the procedure. For instance:
- Diuretics.
- Blood-Thinning Medication.
- Blood Glucose-Regulating Medication.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications like ibuprofen, and Advil).
Adjust Your Diet - Important Considerations
24 hours before the procedure, you will need to avoid:
- All solid foods.
- Moreover, you should only consume clear liquids. Avoid beverages that contain red, blue, or purple dyes.
3 to 4 hours before the procedure do not eat or drink anything.
STEP 2: Stool Softener
Additionally, for colonoscopy, the doctor may prescribe a stool softener for you. Equally important, should consume according to their instructions.
STEP 3: Colon Cleanse
This is where the fun begins, and you take your laxative to begin the colon cleanse. This is the part that no one likes. However it is necessary to ensure the lining of the colon is clear. To further identify and deal with any precursors to cancer. If you prepare for your exam properly, the exam will be clear and effective.
No one wants to have to repeat this preparation a second time. Moreover, some doctors prefer patients to take the entire laxative at one time. While others break it up into two sessions, known as a Split-Dose Regimen. They drink 1/2 of the laxative the night before doing part of the cleanse.
Then finish the laxative in the early morning and complete the cleanse. Many doctors feel that the split-dose regimen is easier on the patient. As it improves the preparation of the colon for the exam. It’s recommended to stay close to the bathroom for the next few hours. You will have diarrhea, and it can come on suddenly.
Colon Cleanse - Important Considerations
Furthermore, continue to follow the directions given to you for the cleanse. Typically, it is to drink some of the laxatives every 15 minutes. This may mean that at times you have to drink it while you are on the toilet. It is normal to experience abdominal discomfort until your colon flushes out. Eventually, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Although, for some patients, it may take longer.
For some patients, it takes longer. At times, patients experience anal skin irritation or inflammation of hemorrhoids. Moreover, you can treat it with over-the-counter remedies. Or with a prescription hemorrhoid cream if you have one on hand.
However, do not use suppositories. In rare cases, patients may experience nausea or vomiting during the preparation time. If this happens, take a 30-90 minutes break. Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth. Then continue drinking the prep solution.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Make sure to familiarize yourself with your discharge instructions. Thus, you will know exactly what to expect. Additionally, how to recognize the signs of complications, and who to contact if you experience any. After the gastroenterologist completes the examination of your intestines, you will wake up.
- You may feel groggy for a while.
- Afterwards, the medical staff will discharge you to go home with your designated driver.
- Some patients experience nausea from the sedation, so take it slow as you acclimate back into your routine.
- The gastroenterologist should review any findings with you and provide you with the next steps, if necessary.
- Additionally, you may feel bloated in your belly from the air. As the doctor expanded your intestines for clearer visibility.
- You may experience a little blood in your stool. It is normal after having a colonoscopy. But if it continues past the second day, contact your doctor to have it checked out.
- It is recommended that you begin with food items that are easy to digest, such as eggs, applesauce, and clear juices. If the medical staff removes a polyp, they may provide you with special instructions.
Colonoscopy - Associated Risks
This procedure is very common. Doctors performing it for years. The benefits of finding an issue while it is still treatable far outweigh the risks of the procedure. Some rare but potential complications of having a colonoscopy. Such as having adverse reactions to the sedative, bleeding, and tearing of the intestinal wall.
Regardless, the doctor will go over all the risks and potential complications. Besides this, you will sign a waiver before the procedure starts. Make sure to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
How Much Does the Procedure cost?
The cost of a colonoscopy will vary depending on many factors. For example, your geographical location, and the location of the procedure. The hospital outpatient center, private surgery center, and the doctor’s expertise. The average cost for the procedure ranges between $1,000 and $1,500.
A colonoscopy can detect precancerous lesions and cancer. While prepping for the exam may be unpleasant. It represents a small inconvenience compared to its life-saving potential. Ideally, you will receive the all-clear. However, if the procedure discovers something, it may have just saved your life. If you would like to know the exact pricing for your procedure. Call us or schedule a teleconsultation.
