Chances are good everyone in the U.S. will experience at least one colonoscopy during their lifetime. Even though the procedure can cause trepidation at first, it’s safe, pain-free, and one of the best ways to screen for gastrointestinal diseases. Here’s what you should know about colonoscopies and their benefits.  

What Do Hospitals Screen for During a Colonoscopy? 

1. Diverticular Disease 

About one-half of all adults have sacs in the intestine wall that bulge outward. These outpockets, called “diverticula,” are usually asymptomatic, but some people can develop inflammation or an infection as a result. In rare cases, these problems can create a perforation or tear, which might require hospital admission and surgery.  

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

People with IBD have chronic inflammation in their colon, which can produce stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. A medical provider can identify IBD by looking for signs of chronic inflammation during a colonoscopy—for example, ulcers and irritation in the intestine lining. Two common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) produces many of the same symptoms of IBD, but the two conditions are different. IBS is a functional disease, which means no physical manifestations will appear during a colonoscopy. If your colonoscopy results are normal, but you have chronic stomach pain associated with bowel movements, you could have IBS.  

3. Gastrointestinal Fistula 

Rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies are sometimes associated with gastrointestinal fistulas. Fistulas are abnormal openings in the digestive tract that could appear after abdominal surgery or trauma.

IBD increases a person’s risk of developing a fistula, and about 40% of people with Crohn’s disease will have one in their lifetime. A medical provider can identify a fistula during a physical exam, colonoscopy, or by using CT or ultrasound imagery.  

4. Polyps  

Polyps are small cell clusters that can develop in the colon lining. Like diverticula, most polyps are harmless and don’t produce symptoms. However, neoplastic polyps can become malignant, especially if they're large, so it’s important to have them removed. 

5. Colorectal Cancer 

The National Cancer Institute estimates colonoscopy screening reduces the number of cancer-related deaths by 60%-70%. Thanks to early detection, more people receive treatment at the onset of disease, before cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes. Since colorectal cancer is aggressive and the third leading cause of cancer death, routine hospital screening is critical.  

Most people should begin regular testing between the ages of 45 and 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome, or other risk factors, talk with your medical provider about earlier screening. 

 

Mille Lacs Health System offers colonoscopies in their surgery department on the Onamia campus, close to home. Dr. Thomas Davis, who performs colonoscopies, is a general surgeon with years of experience and expertise. Call (320) 532-3154 today to talk about scheduling an appointment at the hospital for testing or to speak with a medical provider about your colorectal health.