Can the elderly undergo colonoscopy?

The occurrence of intestinal diseases means infection, tumor inflammation, suppuration, mucosal ulcers, etc., especially for the elderly who often suffer from constipation and poor intestinal digestion, so they are more likely to have intestinal problems. Secondly, when they are older, they often have to do enema to clean out all the stool in the intestines. In addition, various intestinal diseases have become more and more in recent years, so whether the elderly should go for colonoscopy has become a concern for many people.

What should I prepare before a colonoscopy?

Since the incidence of intestinal diseases such as colitis, intestinal polyps, and rectal cancer has been on the rise in recent years, it is recommended that the first colonoscopy should be done after the age of 40.

Blood in the stool, and the lesion is considered to be in the colon or rectum; repeated diarrhea or bloody stools; pain in the lower left abdomen, a feeling of falling or incomplete defecation; sudden changes in bowel habits, especially for middle-aged and elderly people; repeated blood in the stool for unknown reasons; family members with intestinal cancer; repeated attacks of colorectal inflammation and intestinal polyps, which cannot be cured for a long time.

Preparation before colonoscopy? Preparation before colonoscopy:

1. Eat a light diet three days before the examination. Do not eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables the day before, and fast on the day of the examination.

2. There are many methods for intestinal cleansing, and each hospital uses different medications. Experts say that bowel preparation should be done as directed by the doctor. For those who take oral medication to clean the intestines, they should drink plenty of water after taking the medicine. The final stool should be clear water or light yellow, without fecal residue, which is the best intestinal cleansing effect. Preparation before colonoscopy is very important. Be sure to pay attention.

Preparation before colonoscopy? Things to note when doing anorectal endoscopy:

1. If the discharge after taking the medicine contains feces or fecal fluid, you should inform the colonoscopy medical staff in time for further intestinal treatment.

2. In order to facilitate the insertion of the endoscope or to see the mucosal morphology of the intestinal cavity clearly, the doctor sometimes needs to inject a small amount of air into the intestinal cavity to expand or expose the intestinal cavity. At this time, the patient often feels abdominal distension and a feeling of defecation.

In addition, due to the tortuous curvature of the large intestine, experts say that sometimes the curvature of the intestine is too large, or the patient has a history of abdominal surgery or intestinal adhesions, and the patient will feel some bloating and pain when the colonoscope is passed through. It is best to take deep breaths at this time and not to be overly nervous, otherwise intestinal spasms may occur easily, which will increase the difficulty and risk of the doctor inserting the endoscope and prolong the operation time.

3. The examination takes about 15 minutes on average. Sometimes it may take a little longer due to individual differences or abnormalities in the large intestine.

Things to note before and after colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a common examination method for digestive system diseases. The following points should be noted during the examination:

1. Three days before the examination, stop taking iron supplements and start eating a semi-liquid or low-residue diet, such as fish, eggs, milk, soy products, porridge, noodles, bread, bananas, winter melon, potatoes, etc.

2. Take a laxative and drink plenty of water the night before the examination.

3. Eat a residue-free liquid diet or fast on the day of the examination. Clean the intestines 2 hours before the examination and rest quietly half an hour before the examination.

4. During the examination, the patient first lies on his left side, relaxes his abdomen, and bends his knees. During the examination, change body position as required by the doctor.

5. If you feel any pain during the examination, tell the doctor immediately so that the doctor can insert the endoscope safely.