Surgical Procedures
Colon
The colon is a vital part of the body’s digestive system. It absorbs water while dehydrating and compacting waste material after the nutrients have been absorbed. This prevents water loss and protects against dehydration. Some common diseases of the colon include: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon polyps, diverticulitis, diverticuloses, colon cancer, chronic constipation, diarrhea, and ulcerative colitis.
Because each colon condition is unique, Dr. Beutel prefers to personally discuss each individual’s needs, treatment, and follow-up.
Here is a partial list of colon procedures Dr. Beutel performs:
- cancer/tumor removal
- colon resection or removal for diverticulitis, colitis, or other benign diseases
- colostomy placement
- colostomy reversal
- colonoscopy
Colonoscopy information
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which the colon of the patient is examined with a long flexible tube called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a light on the end, and as it slides through the colon, the doctor is able to see and take pictures of the colon. Also, the doctor may take biopsies. These samples can then be sent to the pathology laboratory for further examination.
Why should I have a colonoscopy?
Dr. Beutel or your primary care doctor may recommend that you have a colonoscopy for a variety of reasons. The most common of these would be bleeding from the rectum, complaints of abdominal pain, or a history of colon cancer. In addition, it is recommended that people have a screening colonoscopy upon turning age fifty to check for polyps. It has been clinically proven that even some small benign polyps can grow to a large size and change form, becoming malignant. Therefore, it is best to screen for these early. If small polyps are found, it may be possible to clip these out entirely at the time of the colonoscopy, reducing the possibility of a polyp growing into a dangerous cancer. Because some people are more prone to having polyp growth in their colon, the colonoscopy will help you and your doctor know whether you fall into this category. Those people who have a greater risk will be rechecked sooner.
What should I do to prepare?
The bowel must be completely clean of all stool in order for the lining to be seen accurately. Therefore, you must keep to a special diet for two days prior and follow carefully the instructions given to you at the office.
What is the procedure like?
A nurse will start an IV in your vein, and you will lie on your side. The medicine injected into your IV will make you feel sleepy. The colonoscope will be lubricated and inserted through the anus and into the colon. You will be only vaguely aware of what is happening, or may doze off completely. When the colonoscopy is finished, the medicine is stopped and you will be fully awake in a few minutes. The great majority of patients have no awareness of significant pain during the procedure, but occasionally a patient may remember more of the procedure than expected, or complain that it was uncomfortable. The procedure takes only about 30 to 60 minutes. When it is over, you are fully awake, and your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable, you will be allowed to return home with a responsible adult.
When can I get the results?
Please call the office after two or three days for the results, or for another appointment to discuss the results.
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Colonoscopy information
