Abdominal pain, constipation, and occasionally blood. The doctor recommends enteroscopy, But when I think of "being examined from the anus", I immediately feel extremely embarrassed. I am so nervous that I hesitate to undergo the gastroscopy and even refuse the examination.
When it hurts, just bear with it, and if it's really unbearable, take some medication, forgetting the doctor's advice. However, this avoidance mentality precisely lays hidden dangers for early disease screening. Many people in life have never undergone this examination, and only panic when they have bloody stools, only to find out later that they have advanced intestinal cancer. The core of colonoscopy is to "nip intestinal cancer in the bud"!
Professor Zhao Xinkai, Vice President of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Director of the Digestive Medicine and Gastrointestinal Tumor Endoscopy Diagnosis and Treatment Department, stated that about 95% of intestinal cancers gradually evolve from intestinal polyps, and colonoscopy is the key to discovering and interrupting this process. It can directly visualize the interior of the intestines, accurately locate early lesions, and remove risky tissues such as polyps on the spot, reducing the possibility of canceration from the source. It is currently the most cost-effective screening method for intestinal cancer.
A professional and standardized screening for intestinal cancer can reduce the risk of developing intestinal cancer by more than one-third, saving a large number of lives. More importantly, if polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous, not only will the treatment be less traumatic, less painful, and have a higher cure rate, but it will also significantly reduce subsequent treatment costs.
Who needs to do it?
1. For individuals who meet the age requirement: those aged ≥40, regardless of gender, are advised to incorporate colonoscopy into their routine health screenings.
2. High-risk individuals in terms of lifestyle habits: those who have a long-term habit of smoking and drinking; those who lack daily exercise and have a diet high in fat and salt.
3. Those with a history of disease association: First-degree relatives (parents, children, siblings) have a history of colorectal cancer; the individual has previously been diagnosed with intestinal polyps or has a history of other cancers; has a history of chronic biliary tract disease, gallbladder removal, or has a history of chronic appendicitis and appendix removal.
4. Individuals experiencing discomfort: those who are plagued by chronic constipation or diarrhea, with changes in bowel habits; those who frequently suffer from unexplained abdominal pain, or exhibit symptoms such as bloody stools or unexplained weight loss.
5. Patients with specific intestinal diseases: those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), or those who have been diagnosed with familial polyposis.
How is an enteroscopy performed?
The colonoscope we often refer to, namely the electronic colonoscope, is a flexible catheter with a diameter of about 1 centimeter and a length of 130 centimeters, equipped with a miniature high-definition camera at the tip. During the examination, it is inserted into the intestinal cavity through the anus, and the camera transmits real-time images of the intestines to the monitor. The doctor can directly observe the lesions for diagnosis and can also take tissue samples for pathological examination or perform endoscopic treatment on the spot.
However, the diagnostic accuracy and treatment safety of enteroscopy hinge on the quality of bowel preparation. To accomplish the examination "elegantly and efficiently", high-quality bowel preparation is crucial - it not only ensures safety but also enhances personal comfort.
Guide to bowel scope preparation: 3 steps to prepare for a smooth examination
Diet preparation: Eat a low-residue diet one day in advance. Switch to a low-residue, low-fiber, and easily digestible diet one day before the examination to aid in intestinal cleansing.
Recommendations: Soft and tender noodles, Congee, plain yogurt.
Prohibited: Mushrooms, foods with seeds, irritating foods, and red foods, to avoid interfering with the examination.
Preparation of items: To reduce discomfort and prevent embarrassment, wear loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands for easy dressing and undressing.
Prepare soft wet wipes to alleviate discomfort after bowel movements. There is no need to worry about embarrassment, as special examination pants for colonoscopy will be provided at the entrance of the hospital's endoscopy room.
Self-examination of the effect of laxative consumption
Magnesium sulfate, sodium, and potassium oral concentrated solution (Chuanbeiqing):
Assistance: Take a walk and gently massage the abdomen during medication; if you feel nauseous or bloated, take a 10-minute break.
Self-examination: The bowel movements progress from fecal pellets to fecal water, and then to clear water. The discharge of clear, residue-free stool indicates compliance with the standard.
Three core points to note after colonoscopy
1. Physical discomfort: distinguishing between normal and dangerous signals
Normal reaction: mild abdominal pain and bloating, caused by gas injection into the intestines during the examination, which can be relieved spontaneously.
Seek medical attention if: abdominal pain and bloating persist and worsen; there is a large amount of blood in the stool, or accompanied by dizziness and fatigue.
2. Diet restoration: Adjust according to treatment progress
If no treatment is given (such as no polypectomy): After the discomfort disappears, you can start eating, preferably soft foods such as porridge and soft noodles. Avoid high fiber (celery, leeks) and spicy foods for 1-2 days.
After undergoing treatment (such as polypectomy): strictly follow the doctor's advice, starting with liquid foods such as rice soup, and gradually transitioning to soft foods to prevent wound bleeding.
3. Special reminder for painless colonoscopy
The effects of anesthesia have not yet worn off. On the same day, refrain from driving, working at heights, or operating precision instruments. Avoid drinking alcohol, and it is recommended to have a family member accompany you home.
Expert Introduction
Zhao Xinkai, Vice President
Deputy Director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Hainan Province
Director of Digestive Medicine, Gastrointestinal Tumor Endoscopy Diagnosis and Treatment Department, Endoscopy Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment Center
Doctor of Medicine, Chief Physician, Professor
Master's supervisor High-level talent in Hainan Province
Winner of the May 1st Labor Medal in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
He is skilled in various complex and difficult techniques of digestive endoscopy, such as ERCP and related techniques, ESD and related techniques, ultrasonic endoscopy techniques, PEG techniques, capsule endoscopy techniques, small intestinal endoscopy techniques, and other endoscopic diagnosis and treatment techniques.
Clinic Hours
Tuesday morning, Thursday morning