Colonoscope for Medical Use

The colonoscope is a long flexible endoscope that is often used to examine the colon.  In recent years the instances of using the colonoscope for medical use have increased dramatically.  With the discovery of colon cancer and many other serious bowel illnesses the colonoscope is often used to perform colonoscopies to diagnose and treat these sicknesses before they become fatal. 

Many doctors have begun to use the colonoscope routinely to examine patients in certain age groups as an extra preventive measure.When many patients reach a certain age doctors will begin to schedule annual colonoscopies to make sure colon cancer and other diseases are diagnosed in a timely manner. 

Many diseases that begin in the bowel quickly become terminal if left untreated and many patients do not recognize symptoms that would usually alert a physician that a colonoscopy is needed until the sickness has grown too severe.  Both men and women receive this screening by doctors specializing in the gastric system.

These screenings are usually performed as outpatient procedures provided the patient is healthy and not already residing any an assisted living community or has been hospitalized for other illnesses.  In order to prepare for a colonoscopy the colon area must be completely free of obstruction.

Most physicians will require a fast for at least three days and limit patients to clear liquids in order to completely flush the system.  As an added measure strong laxatives are ordered just before the procedure and some patients are even required to have an enema. 

All obstructions must be cleared prior to a colonoscopy because obstructions can affect the results tremendously.  In fact, most physicians will check to make sure directions have been followed before even beginning the actual procedure.

If all fasting requirements have been met the patient is usually sedated to make sure they feel no discomfort.  Some patients will have only received a local anisthetic which means they will be awake but unable to feel the procedure.  Recently most doctors have begun to completely sedate patients to create an easier exam situation for both doctor and patient. 

Once sedation has taken place the colonoscope is passed through the anus into the rectum.  Form the rectum the colonoscope is passed through the colon and into the terminal ileum.  During the procedure tissue samples can be taken for later analysis and any suspicious growths can be noted.

For those that are not of an age to receive routine colon examination there are times when a colonoscopy will be necessary.  Changes in bowel habits that can not be explained are often a reason for a colonoscopy.  The colonoscope can be used to explore the region to discover the cause of the problem if there is a problem.  

Prolonged constipation and other bowel problems can be the first clue to serious problems that many experience.  Constipation can be the  first sign of an abnormal blockage.  Performing a colonoscopy when these changes are noticed can lead to colon cancer and other serious bowel diseases being detected and treated in a timely manner.