Scheduled for Colonoscopy? Ask for Water
Nobody is thrilled at the idea of getting a colonoscopy, but it's a necessary part of colon cancer screening and is proven to save lives by detecting cancer early, when it's most curable. And while most people find the preparation for the test to be more uncomfortable than the actual procedure, many people still fear colonoscopy. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to lessen the anxiety you might feel about getting a colonoscopy.
Now the latest study on how to make colonoscopy more comfortable gives you an additional way to make this procedure easier for yourself. Researchers compared the success of unsedated colonoscopy screening and patient acceptance and satisfaction with the procedure of two groups of elderly men. For the first group (62 men), doctors used air to inflate the colon during the test and for the second group (63 men), they used warm water to inflate the colon during colonoscopy.
The water method was rated as more successful based on how much of the colon could be viewed, with a 97% "success rate", compared with 76% for the air method. Also, when surveyed after the procedure, 90% of the men in the water group said that they would be willing to undergo the procedure again if it were necessary, while only 69% of the men in the air group stated that they would undergo unsedated colonoscopy again.
From these results, it appears that using water to inflate the colon during colonoscopy makes the procedure more successful and more comfortable for the patient as well. Some drawbacks of this research are that the study was small and the participants were not randomized to the two different groups. However, it does point the way to a potentially better method for colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor before the procedure to ask whether air or water will be used to inflate your colon. And if you are given a choice, you may want to opt for warm water, for a more comfortable colonoscopy.
One final note: this study looked at unsedated colonoscopy, which means that no medications were given to the patients to lessen their awareness or discomfort during the test. For many colonoscopy procedures, the person is sedated with medication that makes him or her unaware of most of what is happening. If you have a lot of anxiety about your colonoscopy test, ask your doctor if being sedated is an option. If sedation is available, request that you do receive these medications.
Comments
Hi, I have stage III colon cancer, in which I have completed surgery (1 yr this past January)and completed chemo therapy the end of last October. In March when I went to see my oncologist, my CEA blood test was elevated. I understand that in a person who has had colon cancer previously, that this could mean a return. I have had a cat scan done and nothing shows on that, but I have beena told that the cancer could be back in my colon. I am trying to get scheduled again for a colonoscopy, but I have no insurance again, and it takes time. I am 58 and my CEA was 32. I understand that 2 to 3 is normal for someone who has colon cancer. Could someone please clarify for me, and at least give me some incling as to whether I need to worry? I am scared to death. Thank you so much. Linda
Great information, my dad just had one done a couple of weeks ago.
Suzanne, your site is great. I had surgery for a tumor last year, and your site has very helpful information that lets me feel more in control. Thanks!
My husband had stage 4 colon cancer with 2 surgeries, radiation and chemo. He is a survivor, much to the doctor’s amazement.
He went to his Oncologist yesterday and his CEA was 5.2. The doctor said it was nothing to worry about.
Why haven’t you had radiation?
i just found out i need a colonoscopy went to the doctors the other day thursday the the 20th i had bloody direha i am scared dont know what to do my first one