Drumright Colonoscopy What is it All About?

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 entire colon became accessable. 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. This study allowed the visualisation of the very bottom of the colon and rectum. This operation was fairly crude but served us ok for many years and was really all we had until the late 1970's.

in the last 30 years ™and with the development of fiber optics the entire colon was opened up to us for direct visualization. We now call this colonoscopy. The study is preformed by inserting a small colonoscope through the anus and passing the scope around the colon allowing us to see the entire colon. Any polyps or colon lesions found at the time of colonoscopy can be painlessly biopsied, remove a small piece of the lesion, or removed. This assists in diagnosis and treatment of colon disease. With this improved method of examination of the colon a correct diagnosis and treatment are much more likely. This will lead to correct treatment.

The exam is preformed with the patient sedated and comfortable throughout the exam. 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 Drumright colonoscopy is to find and remove asymptomatic colon polyps. 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. This is the overall goal of surveilance colonoscopy, to reduce the rate 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 this study and the subsequent removal of polyps could go far to reduce the risk of this common malignancy.

Indication for colonoscopy include the following, this is by no means a complete list.

Rectal bleeding

Chronic diarrhea

Unexplained chronic abdominal pain

Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool

Anemia due to blood loss

Personal or family history of colon polyps

Colon cancer history in the family

Age 50 or greater without prior colonoscopy and then every 10 years thereafter

History of Ulcerative colitis

This is by no means a complete list and if you fall into one of these categories consult with your doctor 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. With this practice we can markedly reduce 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. Be sure to discuss this issue with your physician and seek appropriate referral for a colonoscopy.

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