Do I need colonoscopy?

Colorectal cancer is the number one cancer in Hong Kong
In August 2018, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health announced a prevalence statistics. Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong. In 2016, colorectal cancer caused 2089 deaths, accounting for 14.7% of all cancer deaths.

Adenoma-Colorectal Cancer Sequence Theory
After multiple mutations, normal cells change from normal mucosa to adenoma polyps, and then from adenoma polyps to bowel cancer. Food and environmental factors have the opportunity to cause genetic mutations, and the process of cancer can take up to ten years or more. More than 70% of intestinal cancers are gradually evolved from benign adenomas in the intestinal wall. Clearing benign adenomas can prevent the occurrence of real cancer.

Colorectal polyps can generally be divided into adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic polyps, dentate polyps, halacoma polyps, and juvenile type polyps. Intestinal polyps are detected and removed, which is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Methods.

Colorectal cancer is getting younger
In 2018, a new study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong revealed that the global colorectal cancer patients are getting younger. The obesity problem is becoming more and more serious in developed countries, especially the young population. Since obesity can lead to changes in the intestinal microbiota, this may be one of the factors for more and more young people suffering from colorectal cancer. The youngest colorectal cancer patient in our center is only 28 years old.

If it can be detected early, treatment and medical costs are relatively simple and low. High-risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. Lack of physical activity, high-fat diet and insufficient fiber, drinking and smoking, and obesity all increase the chance of colorectal cancer; some symptoms include changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss and abdominal discomfort.

Colonoscopy
The colonoscope passes through different parts of the large intestine through the anus to reach the end of the cecum, and then slowly retracts to the end of the small intestine, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum back to the anus, doctors can display every part of the large intestine on the high-definition display Observe carefully to find out the hidden scrotum. If necessary, the doctor can use special tools to extract the diseased tissue through the endoscope for testing. The process only takes 20-30 minutes.

Do I need to undergo colonoscopy?
– over 50
– Family history of bowel cancer
– Blood in stool
– Bloating
– Changes in bowel habits
– Abdominal pain
– Suspected of polyp
– Inflammatory bowel disease

Appointment process:

• The colonoscopy in our center is performed in the form of day surgery. It is necessary to make an appointment in advance for the first visit to understand the medical history and explain the inspection process and risks.
• Three days before the colonoscopy, medication is required. If the patient takes aspirin or other, please notify the doctor in advance. In some cases, doctors may ask patients to stop taking certain drugs.
• Stop eating all high-fiber foods and beverages, such as vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, mushrooms, and cereals, three days before the test. Patients can use meat, seafood, starchy and protein foods.
• Eat liquid food the day before (dinner), such as congee.
• Take the doctor’s prescribed laxative as instructed the day before the colonoscopy /or the morning of the colonoscopy.
• Eating is prohibited six hours before the colonoscopy.
• Before the colonoscopy, the doctor will explain the examination process and risks again, and sign the consent form.
• Remove dentures, accessories and metal objects. If you suspect pregnancy, please be sure to inform your doctor.

Colonoscopy
-Monitor blood pressure, pulse and respiratory function during the colonoscopy
-Injection of sedative drugs to relieve discomfort during the colonoscopy
-After the effect of the drug starts, the doctor puts the colonoscope from the anus through the colon to the cecum and first part of small intestine, and observes the condition of the large intestine through the camera
-During the examination, the doctor can extract the biopsy or remove the polyps at the same time
-The examination takes about 30-45 minutes to complete, and the patient will be led to the rest room

After Gastroscopy
-After the Gastroscopy is completed, will lead the patient to the recovery for a rest, during which the medical team will take care of the patient.
-After the patient is awake, Doctor will meet with the patient and family members again to explain the preliminary situation, and if there have any pathology, an appointment will be made again for follow-up consultation.
-Since tranquilizers and anesthetics will have a short-term impact on your coordination and judgment, you should avoid driving, drinking, making any important decisions, or signing legal documents within 24 hours after the examination.