DEAR DR. GOTT: I just turned 50, and my doctor keeps talking about ordering a colonoscopy for me. I’m not sure I want to undergo one and haven’t even asked what one entails. Can you enlighten me?
DEAR READER: This is a simple same-day procedure, meaning that you will enter the hospital in the morning, have the procedure performed, and be discharged a short time after the sedative wears off.
Colonoscopy is preceded by a preparation that will be explained by someone from your doctor’s office. You will be given a solution to drink that will remove all solids from your digestive tract. Following that, you will be restricted to drinking liquids such as clear soup broth, fruit juice, ginger ale or tea the day before. You can work or function as you would ordinarily but will find yourself spending a fair amount of time in the bathroom.
After you check in at the hospital, you will receive a sedative through an IV tube to help you relax. Once in the operating room, your doctor will insert a flexible tube with a camera known as a colonoscope into your rectum. Air will inflate the colon as the colonoscope advances. Images from the camera will be sent to a computer monitor that he or she watches throughout the procedure. If polyps or unusual tissue are noted, small tools can pass through the scope to remove the questionable material so the tissue can be biopsied. The whole process usually takes an hour or less. You will then be taken to the recovery room, and once the sedative wears off, will likely be free to go home. Because of the sedative, it will be necessary to have a ride home. Some patients experience temporary gas and bloating following colonoscopy because of the air introduced into the rectum, but this is normal. Your physician will advise you to report to him or her if pain, bleeding, fever or other symptoms occur.
At your next appointment or through a telephone conversation from your physician, you will be advised of the results. If all is well, you will likely be cleared from further testing for five to 10 years. Colonoscopy can be a lifesaver. It can detect cancer in its early stages, and any lesions can be removed early. Because of your age, your physician is timely with his recommendation. While the procedure may be mentally daunting, it can save years of treatment when cancer is detected early.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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