Summary: The medical field has long hailed the importance of the colonoscopy as a diagnostic screening, especially as it relates to colorectal cancer.
Are you aware that the five-year survival rate for patients with colon or rectal cancer is 90% when the condition is detected and treated early on in its progression? In terms of finding colon and rectal cancer and other colorectal concerns, colonoscopy has earned a reputation among gastrointestinal specialists as the most effective, dependable process.
The physicians at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center commonly conduct colonoscopy exams for individuals throughout the community. Continue reading as our Jackson, MS digestive health team discusses the significant role colonoscopies play in preserving your GI health.
Who should undergo a colonoscopy exam?
Undergoing routine colonoscopies is advised for adults 45 years of age or older. Even those who are younger may also be advised to undergo a screening for cancer if any of the following criteria apply:
- You have a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
- You show symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer, including:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Your family history includes colon or rectal polyps or cancer
It's important to know that the symptoms here are also representative of other digestive disorders, which is why it's essential to set up a colonoscopy procedure to assess your gastrointestinal health and symptoms. Get in touch with GI Associates & Endoscopy Center to hear more information concerning other disorders that might be discovered during a colonoscopy.
How long should I expect my colonoscopy to take?
Overall, the whole colonoscopy procedure commonly lasts a couple of hours, from preparation to recovery. You will need to be at your colonoscopy doctor's facility or endoscopy center in Jackson, MS 60 – 90 minutes before your scheduled procedure. Doing so will provide you some extra time to complete any necessary forms and change into a hospital gown. Afterward, the staff will show you to the procedure room, where the medical staff will begin administering sedation to keep you comfortable during the colonoscopy.
In most scenarios, a routine colonoscopy is completed in 15 – 30 minutes. Your doctor will carefully advance the colonoscope (a small, probe-mounted video camera) into the rectum, gradually positioning it forward and viewing the video for any concerns. In the event colorectal polyps (growths) are identified at this time, your GI doctor may go ahead and remove them during your colonoscopy.
After the procedure, you will relax in a recovery area to allow the effects of the sedation to wear off. This can take up to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of sedation used and your reaction to it. It's common to be groggy for the remainder of the day, so plan to have someone escort you home. You should also avoid strenuous activity or filling out essential paperwork until you recover. You will be given a printed report outlining your colonoscopy results and will likely hear from your GI provider with any biopsy results usually within seven days.
Colonoscopies are a minuscule time investment for the health advantages and peace of mind they carry. For additional information regarding what you can expect from your colonoscopy procedure, reach out to a GI Associates & Endoscopy Center location within your community to connect with a provider who offers colonoscopies in Jackson, MS.
Does a colonoscopy have any risks I should know about?
When it comes to risks, there is a minor possibility that some indications or issues (including colon or rectal growths) might not be readily evident in your colonoscopy procedure. It's vital to contact your GI doctor and inform them of any new or persisting signs or symptoms.
Further potential risks affiliated with a colonoscopy exam include perforation of the colon, adverse response to the sedative medication, or bleeding (in the event any polyps are extracted). It's important to keep in mind, however, that less than 1% of colonoscopy procedures incur complications, the majority of which are not severe. If you have any concerns or questions about the potential risks associated with a colonoscopy, our team at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center will be happy to go over those with you.
Partner with a skilled colonoscopy doctor in Jackson, MS
Given that colorectal cancer rates are trending upward among younger adults, the significance of having a colonoscopy to protect your gastrointestinal health cannot be emphasized enough. If you are 45 or older or you have a greater chance of colon or rectal cancer, please get in touch with the GI specialists at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center to request a consultation for a colonoscopy procedure. Take charge of your GI health and get in touch with our Jackson, MS team today.
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