4
S U M M E R 2 0 1 4
H E A L T H
S C E N E
“I WOULD LIKE
for you to have a colonoscopy.” There
are not many of us who want to hear this from our
physician. Fortunately, at Golden Valley Memorial Hos-
pital (GVMH), the colonoscopy is easier on patients
now than ever before.
The prep has clearly been one of the most dreaded as-
pects of the procedure. Those who have had a colonoscopy
in the past may remember drinking large quantities of
liquid that was difficult to swallow and could cause nau-
sea. Over the years this process has become much easier.
The standard prep for a colonoscopy at GVMH includes
Ducolax tablets and a mixture of Miralax and Gatorade.
Depending on the time of the test, patients are asked to
take their Ducolax tablets and then drink a portion of
Miralax and Gatorade at intervals. This prep is easier on
the patients and much more tolerable.
On the day of the test, a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) ad-
ministers propofol, a drug that reduces anxiety and tension
and promotes relaxation and sleep or loss of consciousness.
Patients are asleep and comfortable during the procedure.
The colonoscopy is then performed by one of our internal
medicine physicians or general surgeons.
When the test is over, patients are kept in an observa-
tion area for one to two hours. During this time a nurse will
monitor each patient. A driver is required upon departure.
According to the National Cancer Institute, about
143,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed
with colorectal cancer in the next year. It is the fourth
most common cancer in men and women.
Cancer
is a
scary word, but colon cancer can be prevented. A colo-
noscopy can help find polyps and cancer. Finding polyps
and having them removed can keep some from getting
colon cancer. If colon cancer is found early, there is a
good chance of survival with treatment.
If you are 50 or older, or have a family history, talk to
your physician about testing.
HEALTH SCENE is
published as a community
service for the friends and
patrons of GOLDEN VALLEY
MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE,
1600 N. Second St.,
Clinton, MO 64735,
telephone
660-885-5511
,
website
.
Randy S. Wertz
CEO
Information in HEALTH
SCENE comes from a wide
range of medical experts.
If you have any concerns
or questions about
specific content that may
affect your health, please
contact your healthcare
provider.
Models may be used in
photos and illustrations.
Copyright ©2014 Coffey
Communications
HST30195
SUMMER
2014
We l l n e s s
COLONOSCOPY
GETTING EASIER
AT GVMH
COLONOSCOPY
THE LIFE IT
SAVES MAY
BE YOURS
FINDING CANCER EARLY,
when treatment is most
likely to be successful, is a good thing. But preventing
cancer is even better.
That’s why it’s so important to know about screening
guidelines for colonoscopy. This test, which is focused on
cancers of the colon and rectum, can help both prevent
and detect cancer.
Colonoscopy involves the use of a long, flexible tube
with a light and camera on the end.
While you’re sedated, the tube is guided through your
rectum and colon and the camera transmits images to a
computer screen. This enables your doctor to spot tumors
and—just as important—polyps, which are growths that
can sometimes turn into cancer.
If the polyps are removed—something that’s typically
done during the procedure—cancer can be stopped be-
fore it ever starts. That should offer plenty of motivation
to be screened.
But here’s a little more incentive: Recent research shows
that people who have polyps removed significantly reduce
their risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
By having a colonoscopy, you may not simply prevent
cancer, you may save your life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recom-
mends that screening for colorectal cancer begin at age 50—
earlier if you’re at high risk for the disease. Generally,
colonoscopy is repeated every 10 years.
Talk with your doctor to learn when you should get
screened.
The health tools at
can
help you know if you’re
on the right track—or
headed in an unhealthy
direction.
Check
your health
Do you know how long your leftovers can last?
Are you at risk for diabetes? Find out these
things and more at
. Choose
“Health Tools” under “Health Resources.”
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