So when he began experiencing rectal bleeding and discomfort after sitting for long periods of time, he went to see Scott Schlachter, D.O., a gastroenterologist at Ocean Medical Center, right away.
Dr. Schlachter reviewed John's case and determined that a colonoscopy was required.
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the colon is examined using a flexible scope called a colonoscope. It helps doctors diagnose causes for rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. It's also an essential screening tool for colorectal cancer.
"Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and is very preventable," says Dr. Schlachter.
The procedure allows the physician to identify and remove any polyps, or abnormalities in the lining tissue. "If polyps are detected, they can usually be removed during the colonoscopy," says Dr. Schlachter. "In my clinical experience, polyps are identified and removed in one out of every four colonoscopies I perform."
If you have no family history of colon cancer, schedule a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50. If you have close relatives with colon cancer, screening should begin at 40. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
What to Expect
To prepare for a colonoscopy, you'll need to follow a clear, liquid diet. The night before your screening, you'll need to take either a liquid or pill laxative to clean out your colon.
The day of the colonoscopy, you may be given light anesthesia to keep you sedated. Your doctor will insert the colonoscope through the anus and then guide it into the rectum and into the colon. You likely won't feel anything.
"The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes, and recovery is another 30 to 60 minutes," says Dr. Schlachter. "You'll need someone to drive you home, and the following day you can get back to your regular schedule."
Caught in Time
John, like so many patients, was fortunate that he had a colonoscopy.
Precancerous polyps were found and removed. "Polyps grow slowly," explains Dr. Schlachter, "so performing a colonoscopy sooner rather than later can help us find and remove them before they potentially turn into cancer."
Because polyps were found during John's first colonoscopy, he went back recently for his five-year follow-up and is happy to say he is polyp-free.
As a police officer, John has had many interactions with doctors and nurses. Even so, he couldn't speak more highly of those at Ocean. "They were the most professional medical staff I have dealt with," he says. — Anne Marie Keevins
About the Doctor
Scott M. Schlachter, D.O.
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology
Brick | 732-458-8300
