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| Consultation |
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Our patients' concerns and questions are usually addressed and answered during the consultation visit while history and general medical checkup are being done. |
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Patients are encouraged to express their feelings and ask any questions about their symptoms, which will be answered in an honest fashion. If particular work up is to be done, or if other specialty consultation is needed to discover the cause of any symptom, referral procedures would be planned. |
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If diagnostic colonoscopy and EGD are indicated they will be discussed with the patient and the procedure will be scheduled. |
| Colonoscopy |
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After careful medical assessment, the doctor may recommend that you have a colonoscopy. This procedure is for early diagnosis of cancer of the colon and to assure proper treatment. The procedure also includes the diagnosis and removal of polyps and diagnosis of other colonic diseases. |
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During colonoscopy, a flexible fiber optic tube (colonoscope) is passed through the rectum into the entire colon. The procedure allows the doctor to examine the lining of the rectum and the Large Intestine (colon) and to identify any abnormalities. |
| What does the exam involve? |
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A colonoscopy usually takes less than 30 minutes. You may get an IV line
so that medicine can be given through the vein for sedation or anesthesia. The medicine will make you relax and become sleepy. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be monitored during and after the test. |
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When performed by an experienced physician, the procedure is relatively safe and pain free. Any feeling of discomfort would be mild and temporary. You may experience a temporary "gassy" feeling after the procedure. If necessary, a biopsy specimen (tiny bit of tissue) is taken for microscopic study. You will not feel any sensation or discomfort when the biopsy is performed or a polyp is removed. |
| What Are the Benefits of Colonoscopy? |
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Colonoscopy has been shown more accurate for detecting polyps and colon cancer than other forms of colon diagnostic procedures such as barium enema and sigmoidoscopy. It allows your physician to thoroughly examine the entire colon, viewing the most distal and proximal portions. |
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Physicians use colonoscopy to not only examine your colon but also to perform biopsies and remove colon polyps. Removal of polyps has been shown a major factor in decreasing the incidence of colon cancer. With colonoscopy, it is possible to simultaneously detect and remove most polyps without abdominal surgery. Most colonoscopies are done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort. |
| Who Should Have a Colonoscopy? | |
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If you have a change in your bowel habits or bleeding, indicating a possible problem in the colon or rectum, your physician may recommend a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is also recommended to: |
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 | Check unexplained abdominal symptoms. |
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| Check for inflammatory bowel disease (colitis). |
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| Verify findings of polyps or tumors located |
 | with barium enema exam or after sigmoidoscopy. |
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| Examine patients with a past history of |
| colon polyps or cancer. |
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| If there is a family history of cancer |
| colonoscopy is highly indicated. |
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| If you are 50 years or older the colonoscopy may |
| be performed for cancer and polyp screening. |
| Follow up colonoscopy may be |
| considered to be done within a few years |
| depending on your clinical symptoms, family |
| history of cancer and polyps and the findings |
| during the original colonoscopy. |
| Preparation for Colonoscopy? |
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Because a lower GI examination requires looking at the inside of the colon, it must be flushed clean of all waste so that your doctor can have the clearest view possible. A clean colon is important for an accurate examination. Even the smallest amount of waste left in your colon can hide important details and make for an inaccurate exam. If this happens, a repeat exam may be necessary. Specific steps to clean the colon usually begin the day before the exam as prescribed by the doctor. Preparation for the test usually includes the following: |
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| (1) Clear Liquid Diet |
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You will need to have a clear liquid diet approximately 12-24 hours prior to the colonoscopy. Drink only clear liquids such as water, ginger-ale, apple juice, tea, soda, chicken broth, Jell-O, etc. Check with the doctor for specific instructions. |
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| (2) Bowel Evacuents |
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A bowel evacuent or "prep" will most likely be prescribed. These come in different types based on how they work. |
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Detailed Instructions: The protocol for bowel preperation is supplied to the patient during consultation session. |
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