How do you explain to a patient what is a colonoscopy?
How do you explain to a patient what is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
How long is the recovery after colonoscopy?
Recovery from a colonoscopy, a procedure that examines your large intestine, usually lasts about a day. To help with healing, be sure to follow any post-procedure instructions. This may include resting, drinking lots of fluids, and not drinking alcohol for the first 24 hours.
How do you feel the day after a colonoscopy?
You may feel gassy or bloated for a while after the procedure because of the air that was injected into your intestine during the colonoscopy. As you release the air, the feeling should begin to subside. You should feel back to normal in that regard within 30 minutes to an hour.
Is a colonoscopy serious?
Colonoscopy is a safe procedure. But occasionally it can cause heavy bleeding, tears in the colon, inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon known as diverticulitis, severe abdominal pain, and problems in people with heart or blood- vessel disease.
How long will I have diarrhea after a colonoscopy?
You may experience loose stool or no stool for up to three days following the procedure. If you have no bowel movement by the third day, you may take a fiber supplement or milk of magnesia.
What is the age limit for colonoscopy?
The guidelines: recommend screening for colorectal cancer using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy in adults, beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75. recommend against routine screening for colorectal cancer in adults age 76 to 85 years.
What happens to a patient during a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is typically well-tolerated and rarely causes much pain. You might feel pressure, bloating or cramping during the procedure. Typically, your doctor will give you a sedative or painkiller to help you relax and better tolerate any discomfort.
What do you need to know about having a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an exam your doctor uses to look inside your large intestine for possible causes of things like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also used to check for colorectal cancer when you’re over age 50. American Cancer Society. Mayo Clinic, “Colonoscopy.”
Who should get a colonoscopy?
Persons of average risk should undergo some type of colon cancer screening at age 50. Although there are other options, a colonoscopy is the most thorough screening test available. Persons who are at an increased risk should have a colonoscopy at age 40.
Why you should get a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is painless. Yes,the tube goes exactly where you think it does.
