What You Must Not Forget to Ask Your Doctor before Colonoscopy?

Many Americans still don't understand how colonoscopies work, how often they should be examined, or even why they're so vital. Colon cancer screening aren't routine, despite the thousands of operations conducted every day. Due to the intense preparation and sedation required for these procedures, they should only be performed by experts. 

Does it make sense to get a colonoscopy when a stool test may be used to diagnose the condition?

DNA mutations or blood markers that may suggest cancer can now be detected more accurately via stool tests. Patients who refuse to have a colonoscopy will be relieved. For those who don't want to undergo a colonoscopy, stool tests, such as Cologuard, are a good alternative, adds the colon cancer screening experts. Stool testing is not enough for Dr. Weber and many other doctors. Seeing is believing, as the old saying goes.

Small polyps may be hiding in the intestines and pose a risk of turning into cancerous tumors if they are not detected by a stool test, if a stool test yields a positive result, you're going to need a colonoscopy regardless. Patients with a high risk of colon cancer should also avoid stool tests. Those with polyps, past positive stool tests, or a family history of colon cancer are not suggested to get stool testing.

For my colonoscopy, what should I do in advance?

Preparation for colonoscopy is typically more feared by patients than the actual operation. In many circumstances, laxatives or severe bowel cleaners are no longer necessary. Speak to your doctor about the alternatives available for you. Most laxatives that are available over-the-counter are easier to ingest. As expert explains, "every practitioner has his or her own manner of preparing patients for a colonoscopy." "You should be able to choose from a number of different preparations. Preparations that aren't that awful exist."

How will my colonoscopy be done with sedation?

In the past, doctors utilized fentanyl, meperidine, and midazolam to sedate patients during colonoscopies. Doctors believe the medications don't function in certain younger individuals or those with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. It may be best to use the sedative Propofol, he explains, because it works rapidly before the treatment and takes less time to recover after. As doctors explain patients need tto come in, get the surgery done and go a half hour later. According to doctors, some patients even request that they not be sedated during the treatment. However, he does not recommend this technique for most patients. For painful procedures, you shouldn't be awake or semi-conscious, he explains. It's uncomfortable to get a colonoscopy, too.

Ask us at Screen the City if you wish to go for colon cancer screening. If you wish to go for colonoscopy, ask our experts about the process.

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