Spanish
Santo Domingo. - Colonoscopy is an essential study for digestive health, as it allows not only to diagnose, but also to treat early lesions that could become diseases of greater severity such as oncological ones. Therefore, understanding the key aspects before, during and after the procedure is essential for its effectiveness.
Dr. Oriana Álvarez, gastroenterologist at the Cancer Prevention Clinic (CPC) of the Venezuelan Anti-Cancer Society (SAV), pointed out that this type of endoscopic evaluation is the only one that helps to observe the colon mucosa, facilitating the detection of lesions, even those smaller than half a centimeter, which could lead to the formation of a malignant tumor in 5 or 7 years.
Furthermore, this test is essential for taking biopsies, removing polyps, as well as finding and treating benign pathologies such as diverticula, added the specialist.
When is it needed?
The doctor stated that, generally, colonoscopies should begin at age 45; however, this age can be significantly advanced if there are risk factors such as:
· First-degree family history (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles) with digestive cancer.
· Previous pathologies such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), personal history of cancer (even if not of the digestive system), familial adenomatous polyposis, among others.
· Having undergone polyp resection in previous studies.
· Digestive symptoms such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain that does not improve, among others.
· Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining an inadequate diet, stress, and being sedentary.
Proper preparation
In case a colonoscopy is required, the specialist emphasized that prior preparation is needed to achieve an optimal evaluation within the lower digestive tract.
The doctor stated that this involves administering a laxative medication to cleanse the colon; as well as following a diet two days before the study (ingesting liquids, soft or blended meals and avoiding foods with fiber, seeds or leaves, which are difficult to digest).
Depending on age and the presence of conditions such as hypertension or heart disease, prior cardiovascular evaluations or laboratory tests may also be required, the doctor indicated.
What to expect during and after the study?
The specialist explained that colonoscopy is currently performed under sedation, therefore it should not cause any type of pain in patients. However, if it is practiced for therapeutic purposes, it is possible that some complications may arise, although these are not frequent in expert hands, she emphasized.
Once the test is performed, it is normal to feel a little bloated, since air is introduced to be able to distend the colon, but this discomfort disappears when flatulence is expelled, he clarified.
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Due to the feeling of swelling, similar to anesthesia, the doctor mentioned that, when eating after the procedure, it is recommended to initially consume soft foods and, when the person begins to feel better, reintroduce their usual diet. For more information, you can visit the website of the Venezuelan Anti-Cancer Society (SAV): www.sociedadanticancerosa.org/ or follow them on Instagram @sociedadanticancerosavzla; X @SAnticancerosa; and on Facebook, Sociedad Anticancerosa de Venezuela-SAV.
