Colonoscopy Procedure - A discussion about the procedure

As one can understand from the name, colonoscopy procedure is a medical method to examine the colon. The colon is the distal end of the alimentary canal. Solid wastes removed from the body pass through the colon and then they are expelled through the anal opening. The colon is a part of the large intestine which plays the role of absorption of liquid from excretory material and solidifying it. A thin slender instrument called the colonoscope is used by the examiner to examine the colon. The device is inserted into the body through the anus which is a natural opening. The patient will be asked to drink a lot of water and have a clear system before the schedule. The device used will be slender and about 1 centimeter in width. This instrument can travel all the way up to the liver. Moreover, a camera is present which creates images on the computer screen. These are studies by the doctor while the patient remains on the examination table. The colonoscopy procedure is performed to investigate pain in abdomen. The primary motive is to check health and abnormal growths like polyps in the intestine and colon cancers. Such diseases develop slowly and may take about 5 to 10 years to develop fully. Such developments happen at an elder age.

People in the age group of 50 and greater are more prone to such developments. Healthcare experts at renowned centers such as the American college of gastroenterology recommend that individuals get themselves tested every five years. The main symptoms are related to bowel movements. Blood in stools, diarrhea, and loss of weight are commonly recorded. The cancer of the colon can develop also due to prior disease such as the Crohn's disease. Ulcers in the colon forming ulcerative colitis can also trigger cancerous behavior in cells. During the colonoscopy procedure, the doctor may ask you to go through with an anal examination. Tests like the barium enema may be performed to view the interiors of the alimentary canal. Here barium is used so that the lower region of the body can be viewed clearly through x-ray examination and anomalies can be reported. The further course of action depends on the physician's discretion. The patient's over all health also influences recovery from ailments and the treatment options that can be adopted. One must remain aware and also equipped with financial aids to go ahead with medical processes.