Gastroenterologist North Shore
A colonoscopy uses a small video camera to examine the inside of the human colon, large bowel, and end of the small bowel. This is a very important method of detecting cancers or other issues in their early stages.
If issues like bowel cancer are detected in their early stages, the survival rate is reasonably high. 90% of patients are still alive and functioning fairly well after 5 years.
A regular colonoscopy is highly recommended for people over 50, or for individuals who have a family history of bowel cancer. This should be repeated every 5 to 10 years if the results are clear, and every 1 to 2 years if there has been previous cancer removed.
The colonoscopy exam will take a few hours to complete. Less than 30 minutes of this are the actual colonoscopy procedure, but the patient will need to fill out paperwork beforehand and be sedated before the procedure starts. After the procedure is over the patient will need a few hours before they completely recover, and will probably need to be driven home.
Complications with colonoscopy exams are rare, about 1%.
After the colposcopy, the patient should avoid all alcohol for 24 hours. Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, red meat and processed foods.
It is advisable to eat white fish, plain soup, tinned fruit (no peel), plain bread, cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and plain ice blocks. It is advisable to drink plenty of water. Herbal tea and vegetable/fruit juices are usually fine.
Signs you need a Colonoscopy – Gastroenterologist North Shore
- You have abdominal pain.
- Ongoing gastric problems (blood in the stool, diarrhea, or constipation).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- You have Crohn’s disease or a similar condition.
- You have family members of similar age who have bowel cancer.
- There is a history of bowel cancer in the family
- You are middle age (50).
A healthy diet of natural food and regular exercise helps reduces the risk of bowel problems, including cancer. Eat minimal red meat, minimally processed food, and minimal fried food.
Gastroenterologist in North Shore Sydney
Early detection of cancer greatly improves the chances of successful recovery. People over 50 should have a colonoscopy.
Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered a source of professional advice, recommendations, or endorsements. It is not a substitute for seeking expert guidance or making well-informed decisions based on individual circumstances. Although we strive for accuracy and reliability, we cannot guarantee the information's completeness or suitability for all situations. Readers are urged to verify facts, consult experts, and consider their own context before taking actions or decisions based on this content. No warranties, explicit or implied, are provided regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of the presented information. Relying on this information is at the reader's own discretion and risk. We encourage readers to consult relevant professionals or experts for advice tailored to their specific needs. Neither the author, publisher, nor any affiliated parties will be held responsible for errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this article.
