A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy examination that enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine). The doctor will slowly navigate an endoscope (a small, illuminated, flexible tube) into the rectum and through the colon to look for signs of cancer or precancerous lesions, as well as other conditions involving the colon or large intestine.
Colon polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine that can vary in size and type. While most are not cancerous, some polyps have the potential to become cancerous. The gastroenterologist will remove polyps found during the colonoscopy to prevent colon cancer.
Five percent of all colon polyps progress to cancer. During your colonoscopy, doctors remove all adenomatous polyps that are found.
Colonoscopies allow for the detection of abnormalities in the colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, but it does not have to be. With proper screening, colorectal cancer can be stopped before it even starts. Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, according to medical experts. That is because it gives your doctor an up-close look at your gut and allows them to remove any abnormal growths, such as precancerous colonic polyps. Colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, typically begins as a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps are cancerous, some can develop into cancer over a period of time.
Hattiesburg Clinic gastroenterologists urge those who are 45 years of age and older to begin routine colorectal screening, if they have not already.
Those who are at high risk for colorectal cancer have one or more of the following:
A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. Colon cancer screenings, which are recommended for people who are 45 years of age and older, can catch colorectal cancer early or before it even happens.
There are many people who should get a colonoscopy but do not due to concerns regarding preparation. Colonoscopy preparation requires you to abstain from food and certain beverages and use prescription laxatives before the procedure. While it can be an inconvenient process, it is temporary and could potentially save your life.
In order for your physician to get an accurate view of your colon, it has to be empty and clean. You will receive instructions on your bowel preparation from your physician. There are many different options for bowel prep including a capsule option such as SUTAB, as well as liquid formulations.
Guidelines and recommendations for prepping prior to the colonoscopy procedure vary depending on the bowel preparation you are prescribed. Your gastroenterologist will provide instructions based on the preparation you are given.
On the day of your colonoscopy, you should be finishing the second part of your preparation. Please follow the instructions you will receive from our office, which will include a specific time to finish your preparation and to stop drinking liquids. Take your medications before this cut-off time.
You will need to plan to be off of work the day of the procedure. It is recommended that you not drive for 24 hours following the procedure to ensure anesthesia has cleared your system. Our policy requires you bring a driver, who will remain in our lobby during the procedure. Your driver must be 18 years of age or older. You can be brought to the facility by public transportation or Medicaid transportation. However, you MUST arrive with a responsible adult who will check in to the facility, remain in the building during your procedure and remain with you for 24 hours following the exam.
Remember, on the day of your procedure, smoking or use of smokeless tobacco products is not allowed. You may not chew gum or have a mint after this time. If you use an inhaler, you may continue using it as needed. Your licensed driver can wait in the lobby when the nurse calls you back to begin the pre-operative process.
A nurse will review some medical questions, check your vitals and start IV fluids. If you are a female of childbearing age, you will be required to provide a urine sample before the colonoscopy.
During the pre-operative process, you will speak with your gastroenterologist and an anesthesia provider. They will go over the colonoscopy procedure and answer any questions you have beforehand.
After this, a nurse will transport you to the procedure room where you will receive sedation. A nurse anesthetist will provide you with a custom sedation based on your needs. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the findings of the exam. Following the exam, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored until the gastroenterologist and anesthesia provider clears you for release. Once you are awake, your physician will discuss the results of your procedure with you and your family member or friend. Recovery takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Before leaving, you will receive a printed summary with instructions. These instructions include the recommendation to not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. You should also avoid consuming alcohol and making any important decisions, including signing paperwork, for 24 hours.
It is normal for you to feel bloated and have gas after the procedure. It may take several hours for these symptoms to be completely relieved.
Any pain, bleeding or fever of 101 degrees or higher should be reported to our office immediately by calling (601) 268-5680.
The length of the procedure depends on the effectiveness of your preparation and the number of colonic polyps the physician removes, if any. We typically tell patients the colonoscopy procedure lasts 20 – 30 minutes on average.
Once your procedure is finished, a nurse will take you to post-op where you will recover for approximately 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, your gastroenterologist will review procedure findings and discuss next steps if needed.
If surgery is required to remove any precancerous or cancerous polyps during your procedure, your gastroenterologist will discuss this with you. Colonic polyps and other tissues removed during procedures are sent to our Pathology department for analysis. Once the pathology report is received and reviewed by your gastroenterologist, our office will communicate those results to you by either calling or sending a letter.
Before Your Colonoscopy
During Your Colonoscopy
After Your Colonoscopy
Sources:
*American Cancer Society
**Mississippi State Department of Health
Many health care providers agree that the best option to screen for colorectal cancer or other GI-related issues is a colonoscopy.
Many people may not realize that a colonoscopy doesn’t just help diagnose cancer – it can help prevent it. During the procedure, the gastroenterologist is actually able to remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
The recommended age for people to start receiving their routine screening colonoscopy is 45 years of age. Unfortunately, many people put off their colonoscopy because they have misconceptions about it.
According to the providers with Hattiesburg Clinic, there are eight common myths about colonoscopies and colorectal cancer they typically hear from patients.
Our board-certified gastroenterologists, working with expert anesthesiologists, perform thousands of colonoscopy procedures each year in a relaxed and professional setting. Colonoscopy procedures are performed right here in our state-of-the-art clinics and do not require a hospital stay.
Our friendly and compassionate team is here to walk you through each step of the process. Contact us today!