COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCE: The goal of colonoscopy is simple: to help save lives | Lifestyles

Everyone wants to enjoy better health, but many people don’t understand the importance of having a colonoscopy. In short… it saves lives.

Research proves that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening methods such as fecal occult blood tests, stool DNA tests (Cologuard), and barium enemas can help identify colon cancer, but these methods do not treat cancer. A colonoscopy is the most effective screening tool for precancerous and cancerous polyps because doctors can see polyps growing in the colon and remove them.

Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why colonoscopies are so important. Some common questions that patients often ask:

What is a colonoscope? A colonoscope is a flexible tube with a camera on the end, which is inserted into the anus and slowly guided through the rectum and into the colon. The range itself is approximately the width of your finger. The scope inflates the large intestine with air to give the doctor a better view. The camera at the end of the endoscope sends a video image of the colon to a large computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the colon.

What are polyps? Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that form on the lining of the colon. While some polyps are harmless, some are considered precancerous, which means they could potentially turn into cancer. Almost all colorectal cancers begin as small polyps, so detecting and removing these polyps early during a colonoscopy is an effective way to prevent colorectal cancer.

What happens before the colonoscopy? At home, the day before your colonoscopy, your doctor will give you specific bowel preparation instructions to follow. This bowel preparation is such that little or no stool is present in your colon. Follow the instructions to the best of your ability, so your doctor can successfully visualize your colon. When you arrive at the hospital or outpatient clinic, a nurse will take your medical history and vital signs from you. The nurse will also ask questions to make sure you understand the procedure and that you have taken the bowel prep correctly. The doctor and anesthesia provider will also review the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. An IV (intravenous) needle will be placed in your vein so that the appropriate medication can be given to you during the procedure.

What happens during colonoscopy? You will be transported to a procedure room where your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation) will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. The anesthesia provider will give you sedation and pain medication intravenously. With these medications, most people do not feel pain or remember the procedure. You will be lying on your left side during the procedure, although in some cases you may be repositioned. The doctor will carefully inspect the colon with the endoscope and may remove polyps or perform biopsies if necessary. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the colon. The doctor can pass tiny instruments through the endoscope to remove the polyps and take a sample for biopsy. All polyps and/or biopsies are sent to a laboratory for testing. Normally, a colonoscopy takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What happens after the colonoscopy? You will be moved to the recovery room where your vital signs will be closely monitored as the sedatives wear off. Some people experience cramping and bloating, in which case your nurse will encourage you to pass gas. It will help you feel better. After 30-60 minutes, the nurse will remove your IV and give you specific post-procedure instructions, including whether or not you should take your medications home. There are normally no restrictions on what you can eat after a colonoscopy. Most often, the doctor will see you before discharge. Because of the medications you received during your colonoscopy, you will need someone to drive you home. You should rest for the rest of the day, but you can resume normal activity the next day.

Talk to your doctor today about scheduling a colonoscopy, especially if you’re over 45, have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or have symptoms such as bleeding or abdominal pain. Colonoscopies really do save lives. If you choose not to have it for yourself, do it for your loved ones.

Kimberly Gray is the Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Surgical Services for Orleans Community Health. An OCH employee for 20 years, this year Gray was a finalist for the Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award in Western New York.

Community Health Resource is a monthly informational feature by health care providers at OCH/Medina Memorial Hospital.

Kimberly Gray is the Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Surgical Services for Orleans Community Health. An OCH employee for 20 years, this year Gray was a finalist for the Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award in Western New York.

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Community Health Resource is a monthly informational feature by health care providers at OCH/Medina Memorial Hospital.