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 full colon became accessable. i am sure many have heard chilling 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. Although it was much less accurate than current techniques it did allow us to visualize the bottom of the colon and rectum and served us well for many years.

In the late 1970, and advance in technology led to fiber optics that allowed visualization of the entire colon and rectum. We now call this  colonoscopy video 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. 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. With this improved method of examination of the colon a correct diagnosis and treatment are much more likely. This will lead to correct treatment.

This procedure is routinely preformed in an outpatient setting with sedation to make the patient comfortable and in fact most patient have no memory of the study at all This method is called iv sedation and the patient is asleep for the majority of the exam but not to the same depth as general anesthesia and the patient may remember portions of the exam although the majority remember nothing at all.

An important way colonoscopy reduces the risk of colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps which are asymptomatic in  most people.} Polyps are small growths in the colon and most are entirely asymptomatic, meaning the patient and doctor cant tell thay are present. ™ tell they are there until the colonoscopy. Finding polyps is critical because we believe that colon cancers arise from these polyps after they have been present for many years. By removing these polyps we can decrease the risk and the development 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. Colonoscopy could go far to reduce the risk of the development of this common malignancy.

Some of the indication for colonoscopy are, and this is by no means a complete list.

Bright red rectal bleeding

Chronic diarrhea

Chronic abdominal pain

Decrease in the number, size or caliber of stool

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Personal or family history of colon polyps

Family history of colon cancer or polyps

Anyone over the age of 50 without prior exam.

History of Ulcerative colitis

If you fall into one of these categories consult with your personal physician and decide if this is something that is right for you. Be assured that this is a safe and simple procedure that can 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 decrease 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 colonoscopy to help ensure your long and healthy life.

Tags: colonoscopy, colonoscopy video