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Colonoscopy Preparation

By: Aeronx Mc Mall


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Colonoscopy is a minor surgical operation that requires the doctor to observe the interior of the large intestines. The procedure involves using either a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera which is put on a flexible tube. The colonoscope is then put into the colon by passing it through the rectum. Colonoscopy is used to examine gastrointestinal indications such as diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, rectal and intestinal bleeding, irregularity found from a colon x- ray or a CT scan or discomfort in the abdominal cavity.

In order to make this procedure successful proper preparations must be adhered to by the patient. The first objective is to make sure that the intestines are free solid waste, this procedure will last about 3 days to complete before the procedure begins. Cleaning the colon is important because it allows the specialists to properly Inspect the colon. On the first day of the cleansing process, the patient must follow to a diet filled with fiber and clear fluids, like apple juice, lemonade, lemon-lime soda for flushing.

Keeping the body hydration is very important for this process to be successful. Persons should avoid drinking orange juice, prune juice, milk and other liquids that are dyed like purple, orange drinks except for cola and in some cases black coffee. The patient should also avoid aspirin-like products such as ibuprofen and salicylate for up to ten days prior to the procedure in order to avoid the risk of bleeding while a polypectomy is performed during the procducer.

Prior to the colonoscopy procedure, the patient is given a laxative in the form of liquids like sodium picosulfate or magnesium citrate or pills along with large amounts of fluid in order to encourage bowel movement. In some cases a solution of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes are taken in order to flush the gastrointestinal tract. On this day the patient should stay home so they can pass their stool. Vaseline cream should be applied around the anus before drinking the laxative. After the stool has been passed it is suggested that the patient use wet wipes instead of toilet papers to clean up and then take a seat in a bathtub filled with heated water for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. After leaving the bathtub, blot the skin around the rectum with a soft cloth and then put on Vaseline on the rectum. Use a cotton ball to absorb the leaking fluid from outside the rectum area.
On the day of the colonoscopy procedure, patients are normally given pain-relieving drugs and a tranquilizing agent to aid the body in the relaxation process. The patient will then be asked to wear a hospital gown and examined with a digital rectal examination to find out the condition of the sphincter. This is done in order to ensure that the intestinal tract is properly cleaned.

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