York County Medicine Fall 2020 - 14

YO R K C O M E D S O C . O R G

FEATURE:

YOUR FIRST COLONOSCOPY
Attributed To: Rohit Jindal, MD

H

aving your first colonoscopy can be an
intimidating experience. But the peace
of mind a colonoscopy can bring is
immeasurable. It can literally save your life!
A colonoscopy checks for growths in the colon
or rectum that could be cancerous or precancerous.
Finding these growths early means you can prevent
cancer from occurring, or treat it during an early
stage when treatment is most effective.
The following information will help you to
understand what you can expect at your first
colonoscopy.

diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, or
if you take medications or supplements that contain
iron. Your doctor may temporarily adjust your
dosages or ask you to stop taking the medications
temporarily.

Are there risks associated with a
colonoscopy?
Complications from a colonoscopy are rare, but
they are not impossible. Prior to your procedure, it
is important to discuss your risks with your doctor.

A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the
inner lining of your rectum and colon with a thin flexible tube called
a colonoscope. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope
that allows your physician to take pictures or video of your large
intestine (colon).

What should you expect after your
colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas
of inflammation or bleeding, which could be early signs of cancer
or other digestive disorders. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples
can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths taken out. Finding
these growths early means you can prevent cancer from occurring,
or treat it during an early stage when treatment is most effective.

It is normal to feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the
exam, as you clear the air from your colon. It is also common to
notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement
after the exam. Consult your doctor if you continue to pass blood
or blood clots in your stool, if you have persistent abdominal pain,
or a fever of 100 F or higher.

How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?

When should I get a colonoscopy?

Preparing for your colonoscopy starts by cleaning out your
colon. This involves drinking a special liquid laxative and usually
takes one day, depending on the type of prep your physician orders.
Some preps may be taken the evening before your test. Colon prep
options may include following a special diet and taking a laxative
the day before the exam.

If you are of average risk, screenings are recommended every
10 years beginning at age 50. If you have a family history of colon
cancer, you should be screened 10 years earlier than the age of
the family member when he or she was diagnosed, or at age 40,
whichever is younger. Talk to your family doctor about when you
should get your first colonoscopy.

The colon prep causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhea so that
your colon will be empty for the test. Plan to stay home during your
prep time since you will need to use the bathroom often.

I encourage everyone who turns 50 to schedule a colonoscopy.
It is the gold standard test to check for colon polyps and cancer.

Many people find the prep more uncomfortable than the actual
procedure. During the procedure itself, you will be given a mild
sedative and will not feel any pain.
It is important to tell your doctor all of the medications you are
taking at least one week before your exam, especially if you have
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York County Medicine | FALL 2020

After the exam, it takes about an hour for you to recover from
the sedative and you will need to have someone drive you home.

To schedule a colonoscopy, please call 717-316-3030
(Hanover Office) or 717-741-1414 (York Office).
UPMCPinnacle.com/COLON
http://www.YORKCOMEDSOC.ORG http://www.UPMCPinnacle.com/COLON
York County Medicine Fall 2020

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