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 entire colon became accessable. Many people are turned off from colonoscopy by stories of the old approach of evaluating the rectum and colon called a rigid sigmoidoscopy. sigmoidoscopy revealed only the bottom foot or so of the colon and rectum. This operation was fairly primitive but served us ok for many years and was really all we had until the late 1970's.

In the late 70s and advancement in technology led to fiber optics that allowed visualization of the entire colon and rectum. This study which has led to great advances is known as 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. Lesions or abnormalities inside the colon can be biopsied or removed. This allows the doctor to make a quick diagnosis of colon diseases as well as treat many conditions of the colon. 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 the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the depth of a general anesthesic and some patient may have some recall portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.

One of the main reasons to preform colonoscopy is to find and remove asymptomatic colon polyps. 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. By taking out these polyps we can reduce 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 this study and the subsequent removal of polyps could go far to reduce the risk of this common malignancy.

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

Bright red rectal bleeding

Unexplained diarrhea

Chronic abdominal pain

Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool

Anemia due to blood loss

Personal history of polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

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

Any history of inflammatory bowel disease

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. This simple and safe procedure is important and could save your life. An important point is that all polyps be removed and that you continue to get colonoscopies until your colon is clear of all polyps. You should continue with surveillance colonoscopies for life. With this practice we can markedly cut the incidence of colon cancer.

I encourage you to discuss this issue with your personal MD. If you live in the Cushing area we are happy to see you and discuss your personal issues with you. Be sure to confer this issue with your physician and seek appropriate referral for a colonoscopy.

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