Colonoscopy

You have an appointment with Doctor Benhamron for a colonoscopy on the ....................................................

If you cannot present yourself at this date, please let us know the soonest possible at this number: 514 769-7198

You can also call this number for complementary infor­mation.

Colonoscopy is a test performed with a long flexible instrument which allows the direct exploration of the inside of the big bowel. This test can detect inflamma­tion, polyps or cancer of the colon. Polyps are small growths, generally benign, that can present a risk of cancerous transformation. During this technique, we can in general remove these polyps by surrounding their base with an electrical wire, and this is comple­tely painless. After the test, the recuperated polyps are sent to the laboratory for analysis.

At the beginning of the test, a sedative injection is given to relax you. For this reason, we ask you to have an accompaniment for the way back, and not to drive after the test.

Every procedure involves risks. In the case of colono­scopy, there is a minimal risk of perforating the colon. If such a situation occurs, we must operate to close the wound. In our experience, this type of event is extre­mely rare.

In medicine, no test is perfect: it can happen, very rarely though, that some polyps or even cancers are not detected. Sometimes, infrequently, we are not able to reach the extremity of the colon. This is usually due to very narrow or angulated segments of the bowel. In this kind of situation, it is preferable to stop the test.

Some medications should be stopped before a colono­scopy:

• Medications containing aspirin (aspirin, asaphen, rivasa, entrophen): stop 7 days before the test
• Plavix (clodiprogel): stop 7 days before the test
• Ticlid (ticlopidine): stop 7 days before the test
• Coumadin or Synthron: stop 5 days before the test
• Iron or medications containing iron: stop 10 days before the test

Preparation of the bowel is very important. The colon must be completely clean and empty to assure the best quality of your colonoscopy. Please follow thoroughly the instructions of your preparation.

Have a good test