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    123bodyscan
    06/Jan/2025
    Colonoscopy Scan0

    What is a Colonoscopy?ffgg

    Colonoscopy is a kind of medical examination of the large intestine, and it mainly helps to collect important information about the state of the person’s gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the most routine screening tests, especially for those who have a family history of colon cancer or exhibit other symptoms such as changes in bowel movement, loss of weight, among others, and incessant stomach pain. A colonoscopy scan employs a flexible tube with a built-in compact camera called the colonoscope to examine polyps, tumors, or signs of inflammation. The procedure is essential in screening, diagnosing, and preventing major gastrointestinal illnesses, especially colon cancer.

    What do you think the Colonoscopy Procedure involves?

    This colonoscopy process is less invasive and normally takes approximately half an hour of the period assigned to it. The procedure involves the passage of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on its end (colonoscope) into the colon through the rectum. This enables the doctor to examine the lining of the colon to determine whether it is diseased, inflamed, or contains growths. In some cases, it may be possible to take small pieces of tissue (biopsies) for further examination, and any growths, such as polyps, that need to be removed can often be done at the same time. The operation is usually done under anesthetic, particularly because the patient would feel uncomfortable most of the time, but the procedure is generally well-endowed by people.

    A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2020) establishes that colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for colon cancer because it accurately identifies pre-cancerous changes that may lead to cancer, especially in the initial stages.

    Why is a Colonoscopy scan needed to diagnose Colon Cancer?

    A colonoscopy scan is another effective method through which colon cancer is most often diagnosed at an early stage. Colon cancer begins with a polyp that forms in the colon wall and may then actually take years to develop into a malignant growth. As these polyps develop into colon cancer, doctors can conduct colonoscopy tests, assess them, and remove them before growing any larger. The American Cancer Society (2023) noted that colon cancer currently ranks as the third most prevalent type of cancer for both males and females. Still, when detected early enough, the chances of treatment and survival are boosted. Annual colonoscopy screenings are suggested for anyone 50 and older or for those individuals who have other risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or other types of cancer.

    What Is a Colonoscopy Procedure? How does it work, and how do you prepare for it?

    To perform this procedure, patients need to adhere to certain preparations that prepare the colon for the procedure and clear it of any content. There is usually a preparation where a patient does not eat anything for 24 hours before the intervention and then takes a solution that is supposed to clear the bowel out. The result of this solution is loose stool to wash out any remaining stool in the colons for a colonoscopy process.

    The patient is administered a preoperative sedative to reduce patient discomfort. The colonoscope is then passed into the rectum and slowly advanced through the colon, and the doctor observes images on a screen. However, like any other procedure, patients sorely complain of some degree of bloating or slight cramps caused by the air that is used to distend the colon as a means of getting a better view of the colon lining. During the recovery process from the sedative administered, patients are observed before being discharged, and the majority go home on the same day.

    What are the risks or complications of Colonoscopy?

    In most cases, colonoscopy is safe, but the procedure has potential risks that can develop after the colonoscopy procedure is performed. These may include the following: bleeding if, for instance, a biopsy was done or a polyp was then removed, or a very negligible risk of perforation, this being a tear in the colon wall. Other possible hazards that may arise because of the procedure include infection or allergic reactions to the sedation done to the patient during the procedure. However, such complications are very rare, and the general risk is low, provided an experienced gastroenterologist undertakes the procedure.

    A study published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology in 2020 shows that the probability of Colon Cancer complications is very low between 0.1% and 0.3%. The adverse effects of colon cancer early detection seem minuscule compared to the advantages of colonoscopy, so it is an important preventive measure.

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    Conclusion

    A colonoscopy is a useful medical procedure that has a significant role in diagnosing and preventing colon cancer. With the colonoscopy scan, doctors can see such things as polyps or tumors, which, being unseen initially, can only later reveal symptoms of their existence. The colonoscopy procedure is minimally invasive and relatively safe for most patients, but for the process to be effective, the necessary preparations need to be made. It is advised that persons presenting high-risk factors for developing colon cancer should undergo screenings, including age above 50 years and family history of the disease. Screening through colonoscopy has been proven to save lives, hence being an exceptional discovery in the current health systems. In this generation, VisScan provides the best colonoscopy services through quality equipment and well-trained service providers who can help clients catch their sickness early and take the necessary precautions.

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    123bodyscan
    30/Dec/2024
    Colonoscopy ScanFull Body Scan0

    How Long is a Colonoscopy Procedure?ffgg

    It is an important diagnostic procedure that enables doctors and surgeons to see inside the colon to detect diseases like polyps, inflammation, or cancer. Through this procedure, people are diagnosed not only with colon cancer but other gastrointestinal disorders as well at an early stage. Hence, it is important for any person willing to go through a colonoscopy scan to know about it. This blog focuses on the time it takes to have a colonoscopy, the time taken for the preparation process, the procedure, and the time taken after the procedure. To make sure you have all the information, let us answer some of the common questions that people have.

    How long does the colonoscopy procedure take?

    The actual colonoscopy procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes in most patients, in large part due to the need to assess the colon lining and make any necessary interventions. When carrying out the process, a thin preternatural, most often endoscopic tubular device called a colonoscope is introduced into the rectum and then into the colon to capture pictures and examine for any disease.

    In the Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the examination time average of a standard colonoscopy is estimated to take about 40 minutes. However, this duration of time can be longer if polyps are present and may require being biopsied and removed or if the physician simply wants to examine certain things more closely. If you’re going to find a colonoscopy near me, you should speak to your doctor or a diagnostic center such as ViaScan to learn more about the procedure and how long it normally takes.

    How do you decide on the amount of time for preparation?

    The most time-consuming procedure is preparing for a colonoscopy. It usually starts a day or two before the colonoscopy and entails excluding certain types of foods and taking other measures to prepare the colon for visualization.

    • Dietary Adjustments: The doctor will recommend a low-fiber diet at least a day before the surgery, followed by a clear liquid diet the day before surgery. The fluids are classified as water, broth, and clear juices.
    • Bowel Preparation: It’s advisable to take specific preparatory drinking solutions, often in equal portions, to cleanse the colon according to the doctor’s prescription. This process may take several hours, and during it, you may have loose bowel movements and may need to be close to the washroom.

    This might sound like a very long process, but it shouldn’t be overlooked because it’s an important one that helps avoid inaccurate results. This state enables the doctor to view the inside of the intestine’s lining unhindered by any colon formations.

    How much recovery time is needed after a colonoscopy?

    First, the patient may need to rest in the endoscopy room if the doctor wants to monitor them closely before they are discharged and go home after the colonoscopy.  However, after the procedure, you may be required to spend up to an hour or half an hour just waiting in the recovery room for the sedation to wear off. Depending on the prep used for this colonoscopy, most patients will feel fully alert within thirty minutes of waking up. Still, they may feel some bloating accompanied by belching or cramping as a result of the gas insufflated into the colon during the procedure.

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    Patients are usually told to avoid activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery for the remainder of the day because they cannot reason properly or react quickly due to the sedatives administered. They are also advised to have someone else drive them home after the treatment is over. For anyone wanting a colonoscopy scan, the recovery period is usually uneventful, and many people can go about their business the following day. Regarding this issue, the following rules can be stated: if biopsies are taken or polyps are removed, the physician will prescribe individual rules for aftercare.

    What makes the total time estimate significant?

    Familiarizing yourself with the time shall ensure an effective and efficient colonoscopy procedure. The periods involved also help you plan better, depending on your schedule. Here’s a breakdown:

    • Pre-Procedure Preparation: Dietary and bowel preparation will last 1-2 days.
    • Day of the Procedure: Take a break of 2-3 hours for registration, the procedure, and the recovery period afterward.
    • Post-Procedure Rest: Spend the rest of the day feeling fresh so that you can accumulate the energy required to complete the cohort project.

    It also lowers stress since one is always physically prepared and can order transport and other assistance. You can find providers by searching for a term such as colonoscopy near me, such as ViaScan, which provides detailed information on what is involved before, during, and after a colonoscopy.

    Conclusion

    Colonoscopy is an important strategy for colorectal health, especially for clients who are 45 years of age or above or have a personal history of colon cancer in the family. Although the procedure itself may last forty-five to ninety minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated, the whole process requires careful planning. ViaScan provides the best diagnostic services for colonoscopy scans and is ready to help with any other imaging tests. Their team ensures that the process is as comfortable and efficient as possible. This doesn’t mean that you should wait to improve your health; book your consultation right away.

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    123bodyscan
    24/May/2024
    Colonoscopy Scan0

    Can Colonoscopy Detect Pancreatic Cancer?ffgg

    Taking care of your gut health is equally important as taking care of your heart health. In today’s era, colonic and pancreatic cancers have become fairly common, leading to rise in mortality rates. With the introduction of CT scans, detecting cancers has become far more easy than it was in the past. A cancer can be caught in its earlier stages due to the advent of CT scans for cancer detection. The diagnosis rate has become higher due to the latest technology scanners that detect minute cancer cells at its earliest. In this article, we will learn more about how CT colonoscopy has changed the world. 

    What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?

    A virtual colonoscopy, also known as a CT colonoscopy scan, is the use of multiple low-dose radiations to create X-ray images of the colon and rectum using a CT scanner. It is a special type of x-ray that takes numerous pictures of your colon and rectum. The X-ray films are merged using an advanced computer software system to produce three-dimensional images of the colon. It is quite better and more acceptable than the conventional colonoscopy due to its non-invasive nature. This results in a higher acceptance rate by patients. 

    How does a Colonoscopy Work?

    Like any other CT scan, a CT colonography procedure uses radiation, either in the form of light or radiation. Multiple X-ray beams are passed all over the area to create slices of images of the colon and rectum. Before placing the patient lying on the table inside the scanner, a small tube is inserted about two inches into the rectum, and air is passed into the rectum and colon to inflate it and prevent any folds inside the intestine that could lead to misdiagnosis later on. 

    No anesthesia is required for this step. After slices of images are taken from the front, the patient is asked to turn on their back so images from the back can also be taken. The entire procedure hardly takes 15 minutes to carry out. 

    What does a Colonoscopy Show?

    A colonoscopy scan shows detailed three-dimensional images of the patient’s colon and rectum. It looks for any signs of cancerous tissues or polyps that might turn cancerous later on. A contrast material is used to differentiate different tissues and bones. Usually, cancerous cells and tissues give out a different color from normal tissues. Apart from that, a colonoscopy scan also helps provide a two-dimensional view of the surrounding areas like the pelvis and abdomen. 

    What is the prep for a CT Colonography?

    A bowel prep is done a day before the CT colonography. The patient is asked to take only a liquid diet a day before the scan. It is recommended to clear all your bowel the night before the scan so as to allow the radiologist to differentiate a polyp from stool properly. Laxatives in pill or liquid form may be given to the patient to help clear all areas of the bowel. A few hours before the scan, the patient may be asked to stop all food and liquid intake to help properly visualize the colon. A barium or iodinated liquid may be given to help contrast the polyp from the stool. It helps to differentiate both of them. The patient is also asked to wear loose items of clothing, and all metal objects are taken out before the procedure. If you are pregnant, you must consult the doctor before taking a scan.

    Will a Colonoscopy show liver damage?

    A colonoscopy scan not only provides you with information about the colon and rectum. It also provides you with insights about organs around the colon and rectum, i.e., liver, pancreas, spleen, etc. A colonoscopy scan can aid in detecting liver diseases. A study shows there might be some colonoscopy findings in end-stage liver diseases like colon thickening, etc. However, to properly look for liver damage, you might need to get a separate liver CT scan. 

    Why do I need a Colonoscopy after a CT scan?

    In cases when a polyp is discovered, your doctor might need to remove the polyp through a conventional colonoscopy. Usually, a traditional colonoscopy is used as a means of minor surgery for polyp removal. When the malignancy is in its early stages, a CT scan might not be enough to check the extent of the disease. A conventional colonoscopy might be needed in that case. 

    How long do CT Scan results take?

    A CT scan procedure usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to carry out. However, the results of the CT scan may vary depending on the hospital or testing center. The images of the scan are compiled via computer software and created into a single scan. The radiologist then reviews your results and writes down all the findings within the scan. This process may take time. It may take a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 1 week for your CT scan results to come out.

    Can a CT Scan detect Colon Cancer?

    A CT scan can definitely detect colon cancer. It is considered the gold standard test in the detection of colon cancer. There are other tests also available, but a CT scan is regarded as the best. However, it also depends on the extent of the cancer. If the cancer is in its early stages, a CT scan might not be able to catch up on the mutated cells or tissues. A cancer that might have spread would, however, be detectable on a CT scan. It all comes down to how well the radiologist is able to detect such findings and report them in the scan. Hence, it is necessary to find a good scanning center that provides quality virtual colonoscopy near me. 

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    How long does a Laxative Last?

    Laxatives are medicines, pills or in liquid form, that help with constipation by stimulating bowel movements. There are different types of laxatives depending on their duration of action and form. The amount of time a laxative takes to work and to be eliminated from the body may vary. Some laxatives take a few minutes to work, whereas other laxatives may take hours to show any results. As far as eliminating the laxative is concerned, a laxative may be eliminated from the body either after passing a stool once; others may take a few hours after its peak concentration to eliminate from the body.

    How Long should I wait to Eat after Taking a Laxative?

    It depends on the type of laxative you’ve taken. Some laxatives work better on an empty stomach; some are preferably taken after a meal. However, if you’ve taken a laxative, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for the laxative to absorb properly and be effective. Hence, there will be no effect on the working process of the laxative; it may just slow down the process of its absorption. Usually, laxatives are taken at night to let it absorb properly. 

    Pictures of Blood in stool from Colon Cancer

    Pictures of Blood in stool from Colon Cancer

    Bowel Cancer Poop Pictures

    Bowel Cancer Poop Pictures

    Summary:

    To summarize, taking care of your colorectal health is equally important. You shouldn’t neglect it since it leads to multiple diseases that will result in deterioration of your health. Via Scan of Las Colinas is one of the best scanning centers you can find for your CT colonography. We prioritize your health and well being.

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