A colonoscopy is a procedure for viewing the lining of the colon without surgery. It aids in the detection of colon cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions. Healthy adults should have their first colonoscopy at 50 years of age, while individuals with certain risk factors could benefit from having one done earlier. The experienced providers at Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI, perform colonoscopy screenings and can determine how soon you need one.
When a Colonoscopy Is Needed
The risk of developing colon cancer increases after age 50 so it is important to schedule your first colonoscopy when you reach 50 even if you are not experiencing any symptoms or problems. However, it is recommended that individuals with a family history of colon cancer undergo a colonoscopy as early as 40 years of age.
A colonoscopy might also be needed at an earlier age if certain symptoms have developed, including abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, persistent constipation, or unexpected weight loss. These systems can be signs of a gastrointestinal disorder, such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or Crohn’s disease. A colonoscopy can be used in the diagnosis of such conditions.
The Colonoscopy Procedure
At our surgical center in Saint Thomas, VI, the colonoscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure so you can return home the same day. The entire process from prep to recovery is just a few hours, while the colonoscopy itself is only about 45 minutes long. You will be prescribed a laxative and given special dietary instructions to follow the day before the procedure.
When you arrive for the procedure, a mild sedative will be administered to minimize discomfort and help you relax. Once the colonoscopy begins, a device called an endoscope or a colonoscope is used to view the lining of the colon. The device is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera on the end.
The endoscope or colonoscope is gently passed through the rectum and into the colon. The camera transmits live video of the intestinal lining to a monitor, which allows the doctor to view the colon’s interior in real time. If polyps or other grows are discovered, the colonoscope or endoscope device can be used to remove them. If warranted, a biopsy of the specimen(s) can be performed at a later time.
Once the doctor has finished examining the interior of the colon, the endoscope or colonoscope is gently removed. Patients are able to leave once the sedative wears off in about an hour, but will need someone else to drive them home. Most individuals are able to return to normal activities within one or two days of the procedure.
Colonoscopies are an important tool in the early detection of colon cancer. Everyone should have their first one by age 50, or sooner if certain risk factors are present. Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled providers to learn more about the colonoscopy by calling Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI, at (340) 715-7874.