The Singaporean Colonoscopy: What to Expect When You Have It

 

When you think of colonoscopy in Singapore, the first thing that probably comes to mind is how awful it sounds: “Big yellow ribbons!” But for some patients, it’s the best option available to them. If you’ve been told you need a colonoscopy but can’t avoid one, here are some things to know about what to expect.

The Procedure: What to Expect

If you’ve been given the diagnosis of “colon cancer,” you’ll first need to learn the actual symptoms of the disease so you can better understand your own body. The colon is a large, flexible tube that runs the length of your digestive system, and it’s home to many of your digestive and reproductive organs and your large intestine, your large bowel, and your large pancreatic gland. If you have abdominal pain, bloating, tiredness, an increased heart rate, oro-genesis (the production of acid), and/or an elevated white blood cell count, you may have colon cancer.

Benefits of Colonoscopy

There are a few benefits to having a colonoscopy in Singapore, including learning more about your health and digestive system. Depending on your age, race, body type, and diet, you may even learn about your sexual health or medication intake. The benefits of colonoscopy include Improved bowel movement (toilettage) and rectal bleeding, a Better understanding of your digestive system and colon cancer risk factors, a Clinical examination of your large bowel and colon Less Invasive Procedure. If you’re not a fan of being digested by a machine, you may prefer a more low-tech approach to the procedure, like a colonoscopy. There are different types of colonoscopy, including colonography and colon ecology.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

A few risk factors for developing colon cancer include age, weight, certain medications, family history, and obesity. And while you can’t eliminate these risk factors, you can take steps to decrease your risk. Neighborhoods with high rates of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an unhealthy diet are also associated with developing colon cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2 out of 3 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer.

How a colonoscopy is performed

Like a Pap test or an ultrasound, a colonoscopy is a medical diagnostic test. It’s usually performed as an outpatient procedure, during which time you’ll be under the strict supervision of a doctor. The colonoscope is a thin, lighted device that allows you to look directly into your colon. You’ll usually lie down on a bed or a table while performing the procedure. Depending on your age, race, and health, you may be given sedation or an anesthetic agent. During the process, your doctor will open your abdomen (which is why you need to have an abdominal ultrasound) and then use a unique scope to look inside your colon.

The after-effects of colorectal cancer surgery

After a colonoscopy, your doctor will remove a small piece of your colon (biopsy) to rule out further health problems. During the procedure, a surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen (see pictures below) to remove the biopsy. Your doctor will then examine the tissue removed from your colon to rule out any signs of infection.

Key Takeaway

Having a colonoscopy in Singapore is a crucial part of your health screening. It allows your doctor to look right inside your colon and remove any signs of disease. The procedure takes about an hour and a half, and you’ll be in the hospital overnight. If you’re under the age of 50, you may be able to have the procedure done in a doctor’s office instead of a hospital.

 

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