Colonoscopy is not a surgery but just a medical test. However, before going for the test, acquaint yourself with the cost, preparation, and probable side effects of this test from the article below.
Being a complex structure, the human body can fall prey to many diseases and disorders. Some of these are serious while some of them are not. Speaking of the human body parts, one of the most important parts of the human body is the large intestine with rectum and colon being its significant parts. The small intestine transports waste materials to the colon from where the moisture from the food is removed and the excretory waste is formed. Now, the rectum is a part that connects the anus to the colon. The muscles and nerves present in the anus and rectum monitor and control the bowel movements.
Malfunctioning in the working of rectum and colon can lead to the growth and development of cancerous cells in it and this phenomenon is called colon cancer. Colon cancer is amongst the leading causes of death in America. Colonoscopy is actually a small procedural test that mainly intends at detection of ulcers, inflammatory tissues, and the growth of cancerous cells. It actually helps in the diagnosis of sudden weight loss, alterations in bowel habits, etc. In fact, it helps to prevent all such disorders thereby safeguarding you from its dangerous consequences. Let us now move on to know about the colonoscopy preparation, cost, and then side effects.
Colonoscopy Preparation
► Colonoscopy is not a very big procedure. It is an outpatient procedure and takes around half an hour or one hour to complete. Preparing for it is also not very difficult, as you just need to follow the instructions given by the doctor, a day before the procedure.
► The doctors might prescribe a low-fiber diet or else if possible, he/she will ask you to be on a liquid diet for the entire day before the test. You are also asked to remove all the wastes from your body. Mainly, laxatives are advised for this purpose.
► At the hospital, your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. Sedatives are also given in order to relax and get your body ready for the procedure.
► The procedure involves insertion of a tube and camera inside the rectum to get a clear view of the large intestine. Air is supplied into the colon so as to view the intestinal walls properly.
► Defects, if found, are stored as a sample in the tube. The doctors then diagnose the defect and prescribe appropriate medications.
Cost Incurred
Although colonoscopy is a small procedure, which does not take much time, it can turn into a costly affair if you are not covered under a medical insurance. The average cost is somewhere in the range of USD 2,000 – 3,000. However, the cost largely depends upon the instrument standards, location, doctor’s charges, and most importantly complications involved during the procedure.
Side effects of Colonoscopy
Each and every procedure or surgery has some or the other side effects and colonoscopy is not an exception to it. Certain side effects include sleepiness due to sedatives, bloating as the air is trapped inside the body, bleeding on a small scale, and if any defect or polyp is taken out by the tube as a sample.
The procedure is usually successful. However, certain complications might make the procedure complex. Hope the above discussion has helped you understand the various aspects of this procedure.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
