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Colonoscopy
Prevention Starts With a ColonoscopyAt Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists, we are experts in screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic colonoscopies; performing over 6,500 of these procedures each year. A colonoscopy is a safe, effective means of visually examining the full lining of the colon and rectum to diagnose colon and rectal problems. Removing polyps during the colonoscopy will help prevent colon cancer. 
Click Here to View Larger Image Most people with colon cancer have no symptoms, so it is important to have a regularly scheduled screening colonoscopy to ensure your health. Screening, Diagnostic and TherapeuticAs the experts, Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists perform colonoscopies for three main reasons; screening, diagnostic and therapeutic. Screening Colonoscopy. “Screening” simply means being tested for a disease, even if no symptoms are present. A screening colonoscopy is the best method for early detection of polyps and colon cancer. Other colorectal disorders can also be diagnosed during a screening colonoscopy. Colorectal disorders are easier to treat when detected early and the need for more complex procedures may be reduced. Frequently, polyps are removed during this colonoscopy, a major step towards the prevention of colon cancer. Polyps are abnormal growths of cells in the lining of the colon or rectum and are a common condition, affecting 15 to 20 percent of the adult population. According to the American Cancer Society?, the number of deaths from colorectal cancer has decreased over the past 20 years, primarily due to the increased number of screenings and polyp removal. If you are 50 or older, or have a family history of colorectal disease, it is time for a screening colonoscopy. Diagnostic Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy may also be necessary to “diagnose” or check for the cause of unexplained abdominal and rectal symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease, verify findings of polyps or tumors located during other types of exams, or monitor patients with a past history of colon polyps or cancer. Therapeutic Colonoscopy. “Therapeutic” means there is a treatment involved. The process of removing polyps or treating other issues during a colonoscopy is “Therapeutic”. Why Is A High-Resolution Colonoscopy Preferred Over A Virtual Colonoscopy?Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists prefer the high-resolution colonoscopy to the virtual colonoscopy for several reasons. One distinct advantage of a traditional colonoscopy is that any abnormal cells (polyps) can be removed immediately as part of the procedure. A high-resolution colonoscopy also detects smaller polyps and other changes in the lining of the colon. If the virtual procedure detects such growths, the patient must still undergo a traditional colonoscopy to have the growths removed. This causes the patient to undergo two preparations and procedures. Virtual colonoscopy (VC) produces two- and three-dimensional images of the colon using a CAT scan, or with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Like the traditional high-resolution colonoscopy, patients still require a mechanical bowel preparation to remove solid stool and a period of time on a clear liquid diet. During a virtual colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the rectum and air is pumped into the colon. Sedation is not typically provided for this procedure. What You Should ExpectMost colonoscopies are outpatient procedures with minimal inconvenience and discomfort. Normally, sedation is given for the exam unless requested otherwise by you, the patient. Because of the sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after the exam. Using a long, flexible, tubular instrument with a camera in it (colonscope), your colon and rectal specialist is able to diagnose problems, perform biopsies, and detect and remove most polyps without abdominal surgery. The removal of polyps is a major step towards preventing colorectal cancer. To schedule a colonoscopy and prevent future colorectal problems, call us at 1-877-ASK-TCRS or the location most convenient to you. |
