A colonoscopy has long been used to help detect colon cancer. Studies are consistently being performed to help increase the efficacy of colonoscopies, so colon cancer can be detected earlier. If more, and smaller, colon polyps can be detected and removed using these methods, the number of cases of cancer can be reduced. In the United States alone, over 130,000 cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year. Of those, nearly 40% succumb to the cancer.
Endocuff Assisted Colonoscopies Researched
The Endocuff is a new device that is designed to hold back the walls of the colon during a colonoscopy. This allows for a wider field of view, so more polyps can be detected and removed. The more polyps found and removed, the lesser the chances of the patient developing colon cancer. The Endocuff device fits onto the end of the colonoscope and is just 2cm long. It is both flexible and disposable which aids in comfort for the patient as well as decreases the chances of any contamination during the exam. The adenoma detection rate, or ADR, has proven that Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy results in more adenomas, or polyps, detected over a standard colonoscopy.
Blue Dye Helps to Detect Colon Cancer
Some patients have undergone a coloscopy for colon cancer and an injected blue dye has been used in the colon before the procedure to help detect smaller polyps that may not have been detected otherwise. However, an oral tablet that is designed to highlight the polyps has proven more effective. The tablet, called an “oral delayed-release methylene blue” tablet, is taken as part of the preparations for a colonoscopy. The ADR during studies with both the oral blue dye as well as a standard colonoscopy has proven that this oral blue dye increases chances of adenoma/polyp detection. When these polyps are detected and removed, it greatly reduces the chances of developing colon cancer.
These are just two of the latest developments in colon cancer prevention through more effective colonoscopies. As more colonoscopy medical advances are made, the risks of colon cancer can be lowered, reducing the number of diagnosed cases, as well as deaths from colon cancer. The GI Texas Center is working to improve not only the effectiveness of colonoscopies performed at their location but also patient health and comfort. If it is time for you to undergo a colonoscopy, call the GI Texas Center. We can help you prevent colon cancer through regular screening.