Having a colonoscopy may not be pleasant, but it could save your life. Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Screening tests—including colonoscopy—help locate these polyps so they can be removed before they become cancer. Screening tests, now recommended beginning at age 45, can also find colorectal cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
A PREVENTABLE DISEASE
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. However, according to Cancer.org “unlike other cancers, colorectal cancer is highly preventable if treated early.”
Although the overall death rate from colorectal cancer has dropped, thanks to screenings and healthier lifestyles, deaths among people younger than 50 have increased.
More frequent screenings may be recommended for those at higher risk, including African Americans, people with a family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, and those who have inflammatory bowel syndrome, a genetic syndrome, or a related cancer, such as uterine or pancreatic cancer.
WHICH TEST IS BEST?
Medical experts agree that colonoscopy is the most effective colorectal cancer screening test.
Another option, the stool- based test, looks for microscopic blood in the stool and is done yearly for people of average risk. But if a stool test result is abnormal, a colonoscopy is still needed to complete the screening process. Colonoscopy is also a diagnostic tool, helping doctors find out why symptoms, such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or weight loss, are present.
COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION
Preparing for a colonoscopy involves emptying out the colon with a laxative before the procedure. According to Cancer.org, “some people don’t like drinking the prep or following the low-fiber diet the week of the procedure and the clear liquid diet the day before the test.” Unfortunately, there’s no way around it, as leftover residue can obscure the view of the colon and rectum during the exam.
DURING A COLONOSCOPY
During a colonoscopy, which takes 30 to 60 minutes, a gastroenterologist inserts a colonoscope, a long, thin flexible instrument, into the rectum to obtain magnified views of the rectum and colon. Special tools can be passed through the scope to take a sample (biopsy) or to remove suspicious polyps. Any detected polyps are sent to a lab for testing.
AFTER A COLONOSCOPY
Following a colonoscopy, patients must have a ride home because the sedative may impair judgment and coordination. Patients usually can resume their regular diet that day and normal activity the next. Results of the colonoscopy will be reviewed by the doctor and shared with the patient. If no abnormalities are found, the doctor will recommend when to repeat the test based on each individual’s personal risk.
STREAMLINING THE EXAM
If your results come back recommending surgery, Dr. Troy Kerner and Dr. Garvey Choi, specialize in colorectal surgery. For questions or to make an appointment, call 215-891-1430.
Troy M. Kerner, D.O., General Surgeon
General and Laparoscopic Surgery–Board Certified by American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has over 20 years of experience. Performed over 1,000 laparoscopic procedures and most experienced laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgeon in the area. Additional training in robotic laparoscopic general surgery, endoscopy/intraoperative and colonoscopy/PEG
Garvey Choi, D.O., General Surgeon
General and Laparoscopic Surgery–Board Certified by American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He has more than 14 years of general surgery experience. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Fellowship trained in laparoscopic surgery. Additional training in robotic laparoscopic general surgery.
.For more information on Surgery at Lower Bucks Hospital, 501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA, visit www.lowerbuckshosp.com/find-a-provider/ and for making an appointment with Dr. Kerner or Dr. Choi, call 215-891-1430.