The Scientific Review of Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce mortality from the disease, but many adults who are eligible remain unscreened. Different professional organizations have different recommendations on which screening test to use. Clinicians are tasked to ensure that patients who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening are screened and to assist them in making informed decisions about which tests they should have.

To critically evaluate the evidence for the use of the available colonoscopy tests, including double-contrast barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, newer tests, such as stool-based molecular screening, and virtual colonoscopy.

Published meta-analyses, key article citation lists, and expert consultation were used to locate all relevant English-language articles published between January 1966 and August 2002.

We included studies that looked at the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in healthy people and the resulting clinical outcomes. Observational evidence and randomized controlled trials were both considered to be of high quality. An alternative to randomized studies and observational studies was conducted to diagnose accuracy studies. It was determined that studies were ineligible if they failed to evaluate colon cancer screening tests and failed to evaluate individuals with an average level of risk.

Fecal occult blood testing has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in randomized controlled trials. Research shows that sigmoidoscopy is linked to a lower risk of death, while other studies show that colonoscopy is effective as well. If fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy are used in conjunction, mortality could be reduced and diagnostic yield could be increased.

Is a Colonoscopy Necessary at Some Point?

You should start routine colonoscopies at the age of 50, but your doctor may recommend one earlier if you possess certain risks of colon cancer, such as being overweight or smoking, having a family history of polyps or cancer and a history of ulcerative colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends that you have a colonoscopy every 10 years after your first procedure, but if you have any of the risk factors, you should be screened more frequently. How often you should get one depends on your doctor's recommendation.

Prepping

If you have a colonoscopy scheduled, your doctor will recommend you specific instructions on how to prepare. One to three days before the procedure, you'll likely be on a clear liquid diet that restricts your fiber intake. Taking a bowel prep, which is usually a combination of laxatives, will be explained to you by your doctor. Depending on when your colonoscopy is scheduled, you may be instructed by your doctor to consume this preparation the day before or the day of the procedure. Taking a bowel prep, which purifies the digestive tract, can result in frequent diarrhea.

Expectations for Your Visit

Colonoscopy appointments can last anywhere from three to four hours. Relaxation medication will be administered during the procedure by your doctor. When it comes to taking this medicine, you'll often fall asleep right away! However, recovery time can be as much as an hour and a half longer than the procedure itself. If any polyps were found, you'll know about them right away, and since they've been removed, you won't have to make another appointment. For your safety, it's best to have a family member or friend drive you home.

Colonoscopies Can Be Dangerous if They Are Skipped

For those at risk of colon cancer, skipping the colonoscopy increases the likelihood that the disease will spread to a point where it is no longer treatable. It's the most efficacious colon cancer preventative measure to have regular colonoscopies.

Direct and indirect evidence supports the recommendation that all adults over the age of 50 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support a preference for one test over another. Book your schedule with Screen the City in Oklahoma to get the test done hassle-freely.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.