Know About The Colonoscopy Preparation

By Author: Sadie Hurst
Total Articles: 17
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Colonoscopy is a minor endoscopic examination that requires the medical specialist to examine 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. This is then put into the colon by passing it through the rectum. Colonoscopy is used to test for gastrointestinal indications such as diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, rectal and intestinal bleeding, abnormality found from a colon x- ray or a CT scan or abdominal pain.

In order to make this procedure successful proper preparations must be made on the part of the patient. The first objective is to make sure that the intestines are free solid waste, this procedure will take about 3 days to complete before the procedure begins. Cleaning the colon is vital because it allows the doctor to properly Inspect the colon. On the first day of the detox process, the patient must adhere to a diet filled with fiber and clear liquids, like apple juice, lemonade, lemon-lime soda for flushing.

Keeping the body hydration is necessary for this process 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 with the exception of cola and in some instances black coffee. The patient should also avoid aspirin-like products such as ibuprofen and salicylate for approximately ten days before the procedure in order to avoid the possibility of bleeding while a polypectomy is done during the colonoscopy.

Before the colonoscopy procedure, the patient is given a laxative in the form of liquids like sodium picosulfate or magnesium citrate or tablets along with large amounts of water in order to endorse stool movement. In some cases a mixture of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes are given to flush the gastrointestinal tract. On this day it is recommended that the patient stay home so they can pass their stool. Vaseline cream should be placed around the anus before drinking the laxative. After there is a bowel movement 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 about 10 - 15 minutes. After exiting the bathtub, blot the skin around the rectum with a soft cloth and then apply Vaseline on the anus. Use a cotton ball to dry up the leaking fluid from outside the anus area.

On the day of the colonoscopy procedure, patients are normally given pain-relieving medicines and a tranquilizing agent to help the body in the relaxation process. The patient will then be required to put on a hospital gown and tested with a digital rectal examination to find out the condition of the sphincter. This is done in order to make sure that the intestinal tract is properly cleaned.

Please visit this link for more information on Colonoscopy Preparation and this link for information on Colonoscopy Procedure