Screening for colonic polyps and cancer is an important part of your check-up. How often, and starting at what age, must be individualized for every patient. There are other reasons to examine the colon: • Unexplained bleeding • A family history of colon cancer • Anemia or microscopic blood (occult blood) on routine stool examinations • To check for polyps or other abnormalities

It is a diagnostic procedure which allows the physician to “look” into the lower digestive system and view the lining of the colon, or large intestine. The examination (different than an x-ray) usually takes less than a half-hour, and there is little or no discomfort.

It is an abnormal growth of non-cancerous tissue on the inner lining of the lower intestine. Polyps vary in size from a tiny dot to the diameter of an orange. Some are insignificant, while others may go on to develop into colon cancer. When a polyp is seen during the colonoscopy, it will be most convenient to remove it then.

Polyps may cause rectal bleeding and can be cured by the procedure known as Polypectomy. Most polyps are benign, but a small percentage may develop into cancer. Most specialists believe that the removal of colon polyps prevents colon cancer.

The colon must be empty of any solid waste material. • Discontinue the use of aspirin products and iron tablets for one week before the procedure. • Advise the doctor if you are taking insulin, anticoagulants, or have heart or lung problems.

A flexible long, thin, lighted tube about 3/4" in thickness or the size of your little finger will be inserted into the rectum. Dr. Frank will be able to view the entire inner lining of the bowel clearly, provided adequate cleansing has been accom­plished. If a polyp is seen, it will be removed at that time.

A wire loop is passed through the colonoscope and the polyp is lassoed. The attachment of the polyp to the intestinal wall is severed by cau­terization with an electrical current. If several pol­yps are found, they too will be removed.

No. With the anesthesia you will have NO discomfort.

If the doctor sees an abnormality, he may take a sample of the tissue for additional examination. Biopsies are painless and are taken for many rea­sons. If a polyp is removed, it too will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Yes, as soon as the examination is over, Dr. Frank will give you the initial results of his screening. Naturally, a complete report from a laboratory will take a few days.

You will feel drowsy, and you may not drive a car for at least 12 hours because of the sedation. There may be a full feeling due to air that was instilled to permit Dr. Frank to see the colon. This will pass in 1–2 hours.

As soon as the procedure has been completed, you may resume your usual diet, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Frank.

The potential for problems is slight. Possible complications are bleeding or perforation of the colon, but these are very rare.