It is generally recommended that people over 45 years of age undergo this procedure every 2-3 years. However, if there is a family history of cancer or adenomatous polyps have been found, the frequency should be reduced to once a year or as advised by a physician.
Abdominal bloating is normal within a few hours after the examination. Avoid spicy foods and heavy lifting for several days after the procedure. If polyps have been removed, follow your doctor’s instructions for a soft diet (such as porridge or white toast) for 3-5 days.
If a painless (sedation) examination is performed, there will be temporary drug residue after the procedure. **Absolutely do not drive, ride a bicycle, or engage in high-risk procedures.** It is recommended that you be accompanied home by a family member or friend and rest until the following day.
Yes. The degree of bowel preparation directly affects the accuracy of the examination. If feces remain in the intestines, it may obscure small lesions (such as flat polyps), or even force the examination to be interrupted or rescheduled.
No. There are no pain receptors inside the intestinal mucosa, so the patient will not feel any pain during the polyp removal process.
Yes, it’s possible. Performing it simultaneously not only saves on the number of bowel cleanses and anesthesia sessions, but also provides a comprehensive assessment of the digestive health from the esophagus and stomach to the large intestine. It is especially recommended for people with anemia or weight loss issues.
Our hospital offers “painless and sedative colonoscopy and gastroscopy,” where anesthesiologists administer sedation medication, resulting in virtually no pain or memory of the procedure. Even if you choose not to have anesthesia, Dr. Lin Feng-nian’s precise and gentle technique significantly reduces the discomfort associated with traditional examinations.
Blood tests or fecal occult blood tests should only be used as a reference. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are currently the only tools with both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. They can directly detect and immediately remove tiny polyps, a physical preventative measure that blood tests or CT scans cannot provide.
