Will having a colonoscopy disturb or make worse where I had a hemorrhoidectomy 4 years ago?
A colonoscopy is a simple outpatient surgical procedure that is used to screen for colon cancer. Having had prior rectal surgeries such as a hemorrhoidectomy will not affect your colonoscopy and in fact, having the colonoscopy will help to detect hemorrhoids that may be internal, and not visible on the surface.
There is no doubt that colonoscopies save lives, as colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in both men and women. Colonoscopies are able to easily detect precancerous growths, or polyps, and remove them before they turn into cancer. Average risk women should start to have screening colonoscopies at age 45, sooner if you have certain high risk factors, including a strong family history or a genetic mutation that could put you at an increased risk. You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking
It is becoming more common for female providers to perform female-only colonoscopies. I would speak with your women’s health provider to see if there are any female-only providers in your area, and get screened!
All My Best,
Speaking of Women’s Health Nurse
March 14, 2018 at 4:57pm