Colonoscopy Is Still Recommended

USA Today had an interesting article about colonoscopy, how it's imperfect but still recommended by doctors.

A study in last week's Annals of Internal Medicine found that, although colonoscopies reduced deaths from cancers found on the left side of the colon -- the part closest to the rectum -- by 67%, the tests did not reduce the cancers found on the right side.

Other studies have shown that colonoscopies often miss flat or indented lesions.

And last week we also heard (see our report below) how pills used to clean out the bowels in preparation for a colonoscopy present their own risks, this time for kidney damage.

Douglas Rex, director of endoscopy at Indiana University, tells us that complications from colonoscopy are extremely rare and that they can prevent 50% to 70% of colorectal cancer deaths.

The American Cancer Society suggests that patients look for doctors who have a lot of experience when they set up their colonoscopy appointment: doctors should have performed at least 200 colonoscopies, and should perform them regularly.

And be sure to follow the directions on the liquid bowel cleansing box. Clear colons provide doctors with the best conditions with which to detect cancerous polyps.

Rex also suggests that patients can ask to see the doctor's notes or even photos documenting the colonoscopy. Rex says it takes skill for the doctor to examine the entire colon, and tumors may be hiding at the very end, which is not always examined. Make sure the doctor documents his or her examination of the end of the colon.

Look here for that USA Today article.