Summary: What Happens After Colonoscopies

If the FIT comes back positive the client is then offered further diagnostic testing, which is usually a colonoscopy (MOH, 2017). The FIT is particularly important for the detection of colorectal cancer as 80% of patients with this test positive (“Fecal occult blood tests”, 2016). A colonoscopy involves a doctor inserting a flexible scope into the anus, to visualise the interior walls of the rectum and colon (“Colonoscopy, assisting”, 2016). During the colonoscopy, the doctor is able to remove any polyps in the colonic or rectal wall and/or take samples as required (“Colonoscopy, assisting”, 2016; MOH, 2017). Any samples that are taken are sent to the laboratory where a diagnosis can be made, usually within a period of two weeks (Davis at al., 2016, p.305).

During the capstone simulation experience, I believe I performed well in quickly reporting the perforated bowel to the provider. This is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed quickly to prevent many serious complications such as: peritonitis, sepsis, hypovolemia, and low H&H due to excessive bleeding. The routine procedure of a colonoscopy is not without risks and this simulation experience was a great example of how an adverse event can go undetected until after discharge or when the physical symptoms appear and start ailing the patient.

The colonoscopy is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy, however, this scope is inserted into the anus and through the entire colon. It is recommended to get a colonoscopy every 10 years who are at average risk and every two years for those at high, such as individuals with IBD or HNPCC (ACS, 2017). Before the test occurs a bowel prep at home is done in order visualize the lining of the colon during the test (ACS, 2017). Specific instructions regarding medications, bowel prep and eating before the night before the test will be determined by the health care provider

Thank you for your great post. The bowel prep is a scarred and discomfort experience for most people. Also, some people misunderstand the meaning of bowel prep and do not drink enough fluid to maintain hydration. As a result, before the surgery, they already feel sick. I had one patient who should undergo colonoscopy, but he did NPO himself and take the medication for bowel prep. the day before the procedure, he developed severe dizziness and low blood pressure. He had to reschedule it and stayed in the hospital for a couple of days. Proper education can help patient decrease their stress and maintain a good status for surgery.

Otherwise why would he suggest I go through the anticipated torture of a colonoscopy? But that’s what he prescribed on my last yearly visit.

My father-in-law was nervous the day of the colonoscopy because the pain in his stomach had worsened when he had to flush out his system before the test could be completed. The doctors assured him that this was normal for most everybody who had to go through this process, and they seemed very optimistic about the way the results would turn out. Once the procedure was complete, the doctors informed us that everything had gone well, but they did find multiple masses in his colon that they had taken samples of and had sent to pathology to have tested. We were instructed not to worry since this could be nothing, and they would contact us as soon as they had the results.

Please be aware of the effects of local anesthesia and sedatives on your reflexes and reaction time. Be cautious when travelling home after your procedure.

Redness, swelling, or a scab at the place on the arm where the PICC was removed (exit site).

Patients with IBD can present with a myriad of symptoms including diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fecal urgency. Colono- scopic evaluation is one of the first steps in assessment of these symptoms. Before the initial colonoscopy, it is important to perform a careful perianal inspection and dig- ital rectal examination because it may reveal clues to the diagnosis of CD, including the following4:

Neufeld and her fellow scientists, the threat of colon cancer has drastically declined. Between 1975 and 2009, the five-year colon cancer survival rate increased from 48.6% to 66.4% (National Cancer Institute). Despite these improvements, colon cancer remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer, following cancers of the breast, lung, and prostate. Moreover, it causes the second most deaths, with colon and rectal cancers combining to cause over 51,813 fatalities in 2013 (CDC). Scientists’ work to improve the diagnosis of colon cancer is particularly crucial, as it is commonly referred to as a “silent killer”. Oftentimes, it has no accompanying symptoms and people decide not to be tested via a colonoscopy. Once symptoms arise, the cancer tends to be in an advanced stage, at which point survival rates plunge from 90% to 10% (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy). Should a novel, noninvasive method be developed to predict and diagnose colon cancer, it is likely the survival rate would increase exponentially in the

Colonoscopies are invasive procedures even though the risks are small. There can be bleeding, bowel perforations or other complications especially if you are older however the advantage is that during a colonoscopy the doctor can take a biopsy (a piece of tissue to look at in the lab), remove precancerous polyps if they are there before they grow and spread.

“Delay may indicate persistent ileus or stoma obstruction, which may occur postoperatively”. (Doenges, Moorhomer, & Murr, 2010 p. 341)

1. Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common and distressing side effects of surgery (Watcha and White, 1995; Tate and Cook, 1996a). 2. With a multifactorial aetiology, the incidence of PONV can be affected by surgical procedure, use of anaesthesia and individual patient and/or post-operative factors (Watcha and White, 1992; Cohen et al., 1994; Rowbotham, 1995). 3. Development of PONV may result in a number of serious complications including aspiration, dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, wound disruption and gastric bleeding (Kenny, 1994; Blinkhorne, 1995). 4. Evidence from a range of studies would suggest that patients find PONV more debilitating than pain, with some prepared to tolerate some degree of pain as

In this test, your specialist will look at your colon utilizing a tube that is equipped with a camera (colonoscope). A narcotic is regularly given, so you will feel no torment. To get ready for this test, you will be on a fluid eating regimen for one to three days, and may need to take a diuretic or bowel purge the night prior to the

Until now, the process for colon cancer screenings was dreadful and uncomfortable (Hodgkins, 2015). Patients would have to undergo a "cleansing" prior to the procedure, and the procedure its was uncomfortable (Hodgkins, 2015). Check-Cap Ltd. has developed an oral pill for colon cancer screenings (AL avian, 2015).