Cushing Colonoscopy A simple operation That Can Save Your Life

Until comparatively lately diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon and rectum was complex due to problems visualizing the colon. In the last 30 years great advances have been made. i am sure many have heard scary tales of people undergoing this process in the doctors office bent over a table. this study was known as a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy allowed visualisation of the very bottom of the colon and rectum. Although this operation was recognized as limited it was the only approach available for visual evaluation of the colon until the late 70's.

In the late 70s ™and with the development of new technology the entire colon was noe accessable to us for direct visualization and diagnosis. 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 visualisation 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 quick diagnosis of a variety of colon diseases. Many conditions that stumped doctors for years are now readily diagnoses soon after the exam.

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

An important way Cushing colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in most people. These are small growths in the colon and most are asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant ™ tell they are there until the colonoscopy. Finding these lesions is important in that we believe the majority of colon cancers arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years. This is the overall goal of surveilance colonoscopy, to reduce the rate of colon cancer. Treating this malignancy or cancer is before it ever gets started is by far tha best way to treat this disease and the procedure is safe and relatively simple to perform. The use of this study and the subsequent removal of polyps could go far to reduce the risk of this common malignancy.

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

Bright red rectal bleeding

Change in bowel habits diarrhea

Chronic abdominal pain

Constipation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Personal or family history of colon polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Age 50 or greater with no prior colonoscopy and every 10 years thereafter

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. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can be preformed with minimal risk and discomfort and that may 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

I encourage you to discuss this issue with your personal doctor. If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Any questions or concerns you may have should be discussed with your physician and this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advise.

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