Česky
Colorectal cancer (colorectal cancer) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer. More than half a million people die each year from the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. Both sexes are equally represented in the incidence of colon cancer, and the incidence corresponds to approximately 80 cases per 100 000 inhabitants of the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, the risk increases with age. A preventive test for so-called occult bleeding will detect even small amounts of blood in the stool that are not visible. This test can be done at home in 10 minutes and its positivity (evidence of blood) should lead to a visit and examination at a specialist gastroenterology outpatient clinic.
What are the causes and how does colon cancer manifest itself?
The risk factors contributing to cancer that we can influence ourselves are poor eating habits and obesity. High intakes of meat, sausages, animal fats, fried foods and alcohol in large quantities should be avoided in the diet. On the other hand, the consumption of vegetables and fruit contributes to proper bowel function. Patients with a genetic predisposition, e.g. colon cancer in close relatives, breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, should be monitored. Because the incidence of cancer increases with age, every patient over 50 years of age should have a stool examination for occult bleeding or a direct colonoscopy.
What should not be underestimated?
- Change in stool regularity
- Alternating constipation - diarrhea
- Newly developed diarrhoea or constipation
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Stool coming out of the body in a narrow strip
- Painful passing of stool with a feeling of inadequate defecation
- Crampy abdominal pain
- Spontaneous weight loss
- Fatigue
Although these symptoms do not always mean cancer, if a patient observes any of these symptoms, they should see a doctor or digestive health specialist.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon that can detect diseases of the colon that may be causing difficulties or may be a risk in the future. Early diagnosis, and possible simultaneous treatment of certain pathological findings, offers better prospects for treatment success.
Is colonoscopic examination painful?
The examination at our clinic is carried out after intravenous administration of a painkiller and a sedative, called analgosedation. This is sufficient for almost all patients. Only rarely do we use the participation of a doctor from the anaesthesiology and resuscitation department who administers more intense numbing agents intravenously than the doctor performing the colonoscopy can administer.
Can a patient make an appointment for a screening colonoscopy on their own?
In principle, he can. It is necessary to have a blood count and coagulation parameters checked. However, in order to be examined under conditions of enhanced analgosedation administered by an anaesthetist, the patient must have a clinical pre-operative examination, including an ECG, an X-ray of the heart and lungs and laboratory tests, which are provided by the general practitioner. A special appointment should be made for a colonoscopic examination involving an anaesthetist. The patient presents with the results of the pre-operative examination to the anaesthesiology outpatient department of the hospital.
How long does such an examination take?
The length of the examination is completely individual. It always depends on the anatomical conditions, the preparation of the patient, the type of treatment during the colonoscopy. On average, the examination lasts 30 minutes.
Does the patient have to be hospitalized after the colonoscopy examination?
After a diagnostic colonoscopy, i.e. where no polypectomy or other endoscopic treatment procedure is performed, the patient does not need to be admitted to bed. However, he/she must be monitored in hospital for at least half an hour after the procedure. On the day of the examination, due to the analgosedation applied, he is unable to drive a motor vehicle or perform legal acts. If an endoscopic medical procedure is performed, e.g. removal of a polyp, the question of hospitalisation is dealt with on an individual basis.
