Ask any middle-aged individual to list his or her biggest fears, and chances are a colonoscopy is one of them. Colonoscopy, a procedure which detects early signs of colon cancer, has long been considered an unwelcome necessity by males and females approaching 50. But thanks to new technology in the form of cameras, equipment, and sedation the colonoscopy is becoming a simpler and more effective procedure than ever before.
WHAT IS A THIRD EYE COLONOSCOPY?
Traditionally, colonoscopies are performed by inserting a flexible tube with a single camera tip inside the rectum. The camera is used to find and root out abnormalities such as polyps, small clumps of cells within the colon that can become cancerous over time. Due to the rather limited view of a single camera, however, polyps can remain hidden behind folds in the colon wall. It is precisely this downside which led to the creation of a procedure called the Third Eye Colonoscopy.
A Third Eye Colonoscopy is a new procedure that involves two cameras instead of one, providing a much more thorough and comprehensive view of the colon. Using a device called the Third Eye Retroscope, doctors can now see polyps which would have potentially been hidden during a routine colonoscopy. The Third Eye Retroscope offers a retrograde, or backwards, view of the colon. As the tube moves through the colon, the backwards camera is able to spot any polyps hidden by folds in the colon wall. The result is a procedure which is more thorough and more accurate than that of a traditional colonoscopy.
Patients who undergo a Third Eye Colonoscopy suffer no additional risk or complications from the procedure, which is performed in 30 minutes, the same length of time as a traditional single camera colonoscopy. Also like a normal colonoscopy, recovery time for patients is relatively minimal. By the next day, most patients can return to their normal diet and return to work.
WHO NEEDS THE PROCEDURE?
Doctors recommend that all males and females should undergo their first colonoscopy at the age of 50. African Americans, due to their higher risk of colon cancer, are recommended to undergo their first procedure at 45. Additionally, patients with a family history of colon cancer should schedule an appointment 10 years before the age at which a relative was diagnosed.
Other symptoms that may necessitate a colonoscopy are unexplained weight gain, blood in stool, and changes in bowel movements. As always, consult with a doctor before scheduling the procedure.
Third Eye Colonoscopy is highly recommended for patients with a personal history or family history of colon polyps.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After scheduling a Third Eye Colonoscopy, there are some general preparations patients should be aware of. First, and most importantly, patients are required to be accompanied to and from the procedure by a responsible adult. Because the procedure requires sedation, patients will require assistance home.
To assure a clean colon, patients cannot consume solid food the day prior to the procedure. Furthermore, patient’s will need to begin a bowel prep on the evening prior to their procedure. During a Third Eye Colonoscopy, patients are placed under anesthesia and will not feel any discomfort.
CONTACT DR. BEROOKIM TODAY
Thanks to the advent of the Third Eye Retroscope, colonoscopies are more extensive and accurate than ever before. Call Peyton P. Berookim, M.D., F.A.C.G. at 310-271-1122 to schedule a procedure utilizing this state-of-the-art technology today.