A colonoscopy is a procedure recommended for men who are 50 years or older. Doctors use a specially designed device to examine the rectum, large intestine and colon for signs of disease, such as cancerous cells and polyps, along with intestinal bleeding and digestive problems. The procedure is also recommended for people who have a family history of colon cancer.
Preparation
For the doctor to perform a good colonoscopy, the bowels must be clean. So the doctor will likely require you to take some sort of bowel preparation in advance of the procedure to help stimulate bowel movements. The preparation, which is normally liquid, can cause nausea. Usually, if you sip the bowel preparation and engage in some activity such as walking, the nausea will go away.
Passing the Stools
Chances are, you'll pass quite a few liquid stools in advance, which can cause irritation of the anus. Doctors suggest applying petroleum jelly to the area around the anus before beginning the treatment. You can also forgo regular toilet paper and use wet wipes to clean the anus after each bowel movement. If the area still gets irritated, try sitting in a warm bathtub for about 15 minutes after the bowel movement, applying petroleum jelly to the anus and lodge a cotton ball in front of the anus to prevent leaking.
The Colonoscopy
The colonoscope is a long, flexible device, about one-half inch in diameter, with a camera attached to the end. It is inserted through the rectum, and the scope is flexible enough to wind its way around the large intestine and to the colon. Additionally, the scope can remove tissues for analysis, and polyps found in the colon can be detected and removed without additional surgery.
During the Procedure
A colonoscopy takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The doctor should give you something for the pain and put you on an intravenous sedative that will make you drowsy and relaxed. You will lie down on your left side and bring your knees up to your chest, maintaining this posture for the entire procedure. There can be mild cramping during the colonoscopy, which can be managed with slow, deep breaths.
After It's Over
If medication is administered during the procedure, make sure someone is there to drive you home. In most cases, you can return to a normal diet immediately. Doctors do not recommend alcohol consumption, driving, exercise or operating machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. If a biopsy was performed or polyps were removed, there are more restrictions, such as eliminating pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication (except acetaminophen) for two weeks and reducing the use of blood thinners. As always, you should follow your doctor's recommendations.
Tags: applying petroleum, applying petroleum jelly, bowel movement, bowel preparation, intestine colon, large intestine, large intestine colon