In short, a colonoscopy is a highly effective, manageable procedure that serves as the gold standard for colorectal cancer prevention.
- Preparation is Key. The bowel preparation process is crucial. It ensures your doctor has a clear view of the colon lining to detect abnormalities.
- Sedation Ensures Comfort. Most patients are sedated during the exam and feel no pain or discomfort.
- Prevention Saves Lives. Polyp removal prevents cancer. Finding and removing growths during the exam stops cancer before it can even develop.
The process of scheduling a colonoscopy often triggers anxiety, but understanding the procedure can alleviate those fears significantly. Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable.
This guide will walk you through every step of the journey, from the initial phone call to your recovery at home.
Why Is Colonoscopy Screening So Important?
Colorectal cancer often begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. A colonoscopy allows a physician to find these polyps and remove them immediately.
This means the procedure does not just detect cancer; it actively prevents it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular screening is the most effective way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
When Should You Schedule a Colonoscopy?
Determining the right time to start screening is essential for effective prevention. For a long time, the recommended age was 50. However, recent trends have shown a rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults.
A major recommendation update reflects this shift. A recommendation statement published in JAMA by the US Preventive Services Task Force now advises that adults begin screening at age 45. This change aims to catch issues earlier in a wider population.
You may need to begin scheduling colonoscopies even earlier if you have specific risk factors. These include a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps also increases your risk.
African Americans also face a statistically higher incidence of colorectal cancer. If you fall into any high-risk category, speak with your doctor about an earlier timeline. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking care.
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
The preparation phase, often called “the prep,” is frequently cited by patients as the most challenging part of the experience. However, a successful prep is critical for a successful exam. If the colon is not completely empty, the physician may miss small polyps or lesions.
Your doctor will prescribe a bowel preparation regimen. This usually consists of a strong laxative taken the day before the procedure. You will likely need to follow a clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Acceptable clear liquids include water, broth, apple juice, white grape juice, and tea. You must avoid red or purple liquids, as these can look like blood during the examination. You also cannot eat solid foods during this time.
It is important to stay near a bathroom once you begin the laxative. The medication causes frequent, loose bowel movements to clear the digestive tract. While this part is inconvenient, it is temporary and essential for your health.
What Medications Should I Adjust?
You must inform your doctor of all medications you currently take. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications may need adjustment in the days leading up to the procedure.
Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix), often require special attention. Taking these during the procedure can increase the risk of bleeding if a polyp is removed. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when to stop and resume these drugs.
Patients with diabetes must also manage their insulin or oral medications carefully. Since you will not be eating, your blood sugar levels may drop. Consult your provider for a plan during your prep day.
What Happens During the Colonoscopy?
When you arrive at the facility after scheduling a colonoscopy, the medical team will prepare you for the exam. You will change into a hospital gown, and a nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. This line delivers the sedation medication.
Most procedures utilize “twilight sedation” or monitored anesthesia care. This means you will be very sleepy and relaxed, or completely asleep, during the test. You generally will not feel anything or remember the procedure afterward.
The doctor inserts a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end, into the rectum. They guide it through the entire colon to the cecum, where the small intestine meets the colon. The camera sends images to a monitor so the doctor can examine the lining of the bowel.
How Are Polyps Removed?
If the doctor discovers a polyp during the exam, they can remove it right then and there. They pass special instruments through the scope to snare or cut the polyp off. This process is painless because the lining of the colon does not have nerve endings for pain.
The removed tissue goes to a laboratory for analysis. A pathologist examines it to determine if it is precancerous, cancerous, or benign. This analysis informs your doctor about when you should return for your next screening.
A study published in the National Cancer Institute confirmed that the removal of adenomatous polyps significantly reduces the mortality rate from colorectal cancer.
What Does Recovery Look Like Afterward?
The procedure itself typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, you will stay in a recovery area for about 30 minutes to an hour while the sedation wears off. You may feel some gas or bloating, as air is introduced into the colon during the exam to open it up for better viewing.
Because of the sedation, you cannot drive yourself home. You must arrange for a family member or friend to pick you up.
You can usually resume your normal diet immediately. Most patients are hungry and eager to eat after their day of fasting. Your doctor will let you know if you have any temporary dietary restrictions, especially if a large polyp was removed.
What Are the Risks and Complications?
While a colonoscopy is a safe and routine procedure, complications can occur. Serious risks are rare but include perforation, which is a tear in the colon wall. Bleeding can also occur at the site where a polyp was removed.
Most bleeding stops on its own or can be controlled during the procedure. Reactions to the sedative are also possible but are monitored closely by the medical team.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy bleeding afterward. These could be signs of a complication that requires medical attention. However, the vast majority of patients recover with no issues.
Are There Alternatives to a Colonoscopy?
There are other methods for colorectal cancer screening. Stool-based tests, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or multitarget stool DNA test (Cologuard), are non-invasive options. These tests look for blood or altered DNA in the stool that might indicate cancer or polyps.
While these tests are convenient, they are not as thorough as a colonoscopy. They are primarily for detection, not prevention. If a stool test comes back positive, you will still need to proceed with scheduling a colonoscopy to investigate the cause.
Furthermore, stool tests must be repeated more frequently — every one to three years — compared to every ten years for a normal colonoscopy. A colonoscopy remains the only test that allows for both detection and removal of polyps in a single session.
Scheduling a Colonoscopy in South Carolina
Taking charge of your digestive health is one of the most important decisions you can make. The team at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. We understand that medical procedures can be stressful, and we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
We offer state-of-the-art facilities and experienced physicians who prioritize your well-being. By choosing us, you ensure that your screening is handled with expertise and care. Do not wait until symptoms arise to take action.
If you are 45 or older or have risk factors, it is time to make the call. Contact SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation today to discuss scheduling a colonoscopy and take the first step toward a cancer-free future. Use our appointment form or call our office at (803) 749-1111 to book your appointment.
