Q: What is a colonoscopy?
It is an examination that allows a stomach doctor to examine the lining of the colon or large intestine. For this process, the doctor takes a flexible tube, which has a camera and a light on top and is the size of a finger. The tube is inserted through the anus and is then moved slowly into the rectum and colon. This enables the doctor to have a close view of the insides and look for signs of pre-cancerous lesions or cancer.
Q: How much does a colonoscopy cost?
The cost of a colonoscopy can range between $2,250 to $4,800. However, the average cost of a colonoscopy is $2,750.
Q: When should you have your first colonoscopy?
It is recommended to get a colonoscopy done at the age of 45 if you are at average risk for colon cancer.
Q: How much time does a colonoscopy procedure take?
A colonoscopy procedure itself takes around thirty minutes only.
Q: Is colonoscopy painful?
The doctor will give you anesthesia; henc威而鋼
e, you will be asleep throughout the procedure. You will not feel any pain and would not remember what happened during the procedure when getting your consciousness back.
Q: What tool is used for a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is performed with the help of a tool called a colonoscope. Notably, a colonoscope is a steerable and flexible instrument used to examine the entire colon or large intestine. A colonoscope is made in a way that it can obtain biopsies of some suspicious areas and polyps, which have the tendency of turning into cancer. Once the areas are examined carefully, cancer can be removed efficiently if there is any.
Q: How often colonoscopy should be performed?
After getting done with a polyp-free colonoscopy, you would not need to get another colonoscopy procedure done for five to ten years.
Q: Why is it important to prepare for a colonoscopy?
During a colonoscopy, the doctor will look for polyps, which are small harmless growth that can turn into cancer with time. If your colon is not properly cleaned, the doctor would not be able to see anything clearly and miss these small polyps.
Q: Are there any complications associated with colonoscopy?
Yes, there are some potential complications associated with every kind of testing procedure done in medicine. However, colonoscopy is known to be extremely if it is performed by a well-trained healthcare provider such as a gastroenterologist. Nevertheless, in rare cases, there can be some complications regarding sedation administration. The colon can also get partially torn or perforated in some cases.
Q: Can I have a colonoscopy while menstruating?
Yes, a colonoscopy can be performed during menstruation. The patient can wear a tampon if they prefer that.
Q: Can a coloscopy be done if I have a fever?
Generally, no. A colonoscopy cannot be performed if you have a temperature of more than 101 degrees. You should consult your doctor in such a case.
Q: Is coloscopy beneficial?
Colonoscopy is very useful when it comes to detecting small polyps in the intestine. If caught early, colon cancer can be treated easily.
