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Procedure primer:
Colonoscopy for
ulcerative colitis
1. Preparation: Clear liquid diet
2. Preparation: Bowel cleanse
Colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis
Procedure primer:
4. Examining the intestines
JAK inhibitors work inside cells to block JAK signaling activity. By disrupting signaling within immune cells, they can help prevent inflammation that causes disease.
Research has found that treatment with upadacitinib reduces inflammatory signaling and inflammation in the intestines of people with active Crohn’s disease.
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When the person is under sedation, a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) will insert a colonoscope through the anus and into the rectum and colon. A colonoscope is a long, flexible tube with a camera that transmits images to a monitor. The GI doctor will use it to check the person’s rectum and colon for signs of inflammation, abnormal tissue growth, and other issues. They may also examine the lower end of the small intestine.
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When the person arrives at the colonoscopy site, a staff member will give them a hospital gown to wear. An anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein, typically in the hand or arm. They will administer IV medication to sedate the person so they are not fully awake during the procedure. The person may be under conscious sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia depends on a person's medical history and allergies.
3. Anesthesia
A doctor may ask someone to avoid certain medications or supplements before a colonoscopy. They may also ask them to reduce fiber in their diet for a few days. Then the person will switch to a clear liquid diet, typically 24 hours before the colonoscopy. They can drink clear liquids such as water, sports drinks, soda, broth, and tea or coffee without dairy. They should avoid purple and red-dyed liquids, which may look like blood in the colon.
During a colonoscopy, the GI doctor may find colon polyps or other abnormal tissue. Polyps are small clumps of cells that may form on the lining of the colon. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some may develop into cancer over time. The GI doctor may remove polyps or collect samples of abnormal tissue for analysis under a microscope to learn whether the cells show signs of developing into cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy.
5. Collecting tissue samples
After the colonoscopy, the person will rest in a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. The GI doctor will tell them what they found. Then, the person should have someone take them home. They should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing tasks that require clear judgment that day. Their doctor can help them learn how to recognize and get help for potential complications of a colonoscopy. Serious complications are rare.
6. Recovery
The person’s doctor will ask them to take an over-the-counter or prescription bowel cleanse, which contains laxatives to clear stool from the colon and rectum. People usually take the bowel cleanse in multiple doses, starting the day before the colonoscopy. It is typical to experience diarrhea, mild bloating, and mild abdominal cramps after taking the bowel cleanse. It is important to drink plenty of clear fluids to stay hydrated.
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