Colonoscopy is a common and necessary procedure for anyone over the age of 20. But, for many people, it’s a scary prospect. In fact, the word “colon” lists among its definitions “a channel leading from the stomach to the small intestine.” This channel is called the colon and it serves many important functions. It’s where we get our fiber from, where we store our Bloater (bile) and where we have stool passed when we eat. But today, thanks to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options, colonoscopy Singapore treatment—also known as surgical testing for colon cancer—is a relatively simple procedure that most people can expect to undergo at least once in their lives.
What is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube into the large intestine to check for damage, disease, and growth. A special camera is used to take images and a tube connected to an electronic stethoscope is used to listen to the patient’s bowel sounds.
Colonoscopy: An Overview of the Procedure
During a colonoscopy, a doctor will usually prepare the patient for the test by giving them a general anesthetic and offering them herbal supplements to help with their nausea and watery eyes.
During the test, any patient with a high suspicion of disease should receive an antiretroviral (ARV) medication to prevent the development of resistant bacteria. Depending on the patient’s age, race, and gender, the doctor may recommend blood tests such as vitamin K and C (for constipation), platelet count, and cholesterol. The doctor of colonoscopy screening Singapore may also order a stool sample to test for Bloater (colon cancer precursors). If the colon is found to be diseased, a procedure called sigmoidoscopy is used to determine the exact nature of the problem.
What Can Be Found During A Colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, which usually lasts about an hour, a doctor will first prepare the patient by giving them a general anesthetic before changing their diet and offering them herbal supplements to help with their nausea and watery eyes. The doctor will then perform a complete physical examination to identify any problems the patient may have, such as:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Diarrhea or abdominal spasms
- Feeling unwell
- Oily stools
- Weight gain
- Unexplained bleeding
- Unusual or prolonged bowel movements
When Is Colonoscopy Right for Me?
People over the age of 50, who have a strong family history of colon cancer, are likely to need a colonoscopy more often than younger people. Also, if you have a medical condition, such as an incarcerated bowel obstruction, bile duct cancer, or liver disease, it’s more likely that you’ll need a colonoscopy more frequently. If you’re under the age of 20 and you have never had a colonoscopy, we recommend that you get one before age 50. If you’re under the age of 30 and you haven’t had a colonoscopy, we recommend that you get one before age 40. People who have had a previous abdominal or intestinal blockage, such as with a viral illness or an abscess, are also at an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
How to Get the Best Care During A Colonoscopy?
If you have any of the above health conditions, you should definitely get your colonoscopy. But, for the majority of people, it’s not necessary to have all of the symptoms mentioned above to get a colonic biopsy. In fact, some people may only have abdominal pain, a straining bowel movement, and a low-grade fever (a normal temperature is 100.4° F or 38.6° C).
To enqueue: The Preparation
You’ll usually go to the doctor’s office a couple of hours before your colonoscopy to get a general examination and have any required lab tests/biopsies. You’ll also need to bring your written health care proxy (or legal guardian) with you. You’ll be given an enqueue number and instructed to stay at the doctor’s office until the procedure. You can then bring your written health care proxy to the waiting room or the recovery area. If you’re under the age of 20, you can usually go to the doctor’s office with your parents or legal guardians. For people over the age of 50, you’ll need to be accompanied by a colonoscopy Singapore doctor.
Final Words
The good news is that colonoscopy is a very safe procedure. The bad news is that it’s a once-a-lifetime procedure. If you have any of the above health conditions and are over the age of 20, it’s important to get your colonoscopy. But, the best way to get the procedure is to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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