Are Screening Colonoscopies and a Diagnostic Colonoscopy Different Procedures?

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Cancer of the colon threatens the lives of millions of adults every year. When the condition is identified early on, colon and rectal cancer can generally be treated successfully, carrying a high chance of survival. Periodic colorectal cancer testing enables physicians to look for precancerous or suspicious growths in the colon (large intestine) and rectum, and monitor for any further concerns should an individual have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Even though the majority of adults realize the purpose of a colonoscopy, a smaller percentage understand the difference between a screening colonoscopy and a diagnostic colonoscopy. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our board-certified gastroenterologists commonly provide screening and diagnostic colonoscopies for New Orleans, LA patients. Continue reading to find out additional details concerning these distinct types of colonoscopy procedures, when they could be advised, and how they may help protect your general and digestive health.

When is a screening colonoscopy recommended?

The gastrointestinal (GI) specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates generally suggest a screening colonoscopy to examine for tissue irregularities in the colon or rectum, growths (also called polyps), or other evidence that colon or rectal is prone form. A screening colonoscopy, also referred to as a preventive colonoscopy, is typically recommended once every decade for individuals age 45 and over who are asymptomatic (having no symptoms) and who carry an average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Such screenings also create baseline data to which subsequent colonoscopies can be compared.

Ideal candidates for a preventive colonoscopy procedure commonly include individuals who exhibit:

  • No personal history of colorectal cancer
  • No symptoms of gastrointestinal health conditions
  • No family history of colon cancer
  • No history of polyps or other irregularities in the large intestine
  • No past or current gastrointestinal health diagnoses

When is a diagnostic colonoscopy needed?

Should any indications of cancerous or precancerous areas be identified, our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists will likely recommend a diagnostic colonoscopy test. Such instances might include having previous areas of concern (such as polyps in the colon) or having a positive noninvasive colon cancer screening, like Cologuard®, which is a home-based testing process. Diagnostic colonoscopies, additionally referred to as surveillance or follow-up colonoscopies, vary from screening colonoscopies, as such tests are performed when there is a greater chance that cancer could arise or if there are indications that colorectal cancer may already be present.

Ideal candidates for a diagnostic colonoscopy procedure are often people who exhibit:

  • Positive colon cancer screening outcomes
  • Current or previous gastrointestinal health symptoms
  • A history of polyps or other tissue irregularities
  • A history of digestive health problems
  • A personal history of colon cancer

What else should I know about screening vs. diagnostic colonoscopy procedures?

Colonoscopy tests are exceptionally important for identifying and protecting against colon cancer. Even though a screening colonoscopy and a follow-up colonoscopy are often carried out in a similar fashion, the two procedures are performed for different reasons. In addition, insurance coverage for screening vs. diagnostic colonoscopies generally varies. As a result, it is essential to go over your insurance policy and consult your representative to learn details about your personal coverage and plan as it relates to colonoscopy procedures.

Talk with a New Orleans, LA colonoscopy doctor near you

Undergoing routine colonoscopy exams as suggested by a GI physician is essential to maintaining your digestive wellness and general health. Our New Orleans, LA colonoscopy doctors take a patient-focused approach to care and partner closely with every individual to help make sure their unique gastrointestinal concerns are addressed. Talk to our attentive staff today to find out more or to arrange for a colonoscopy consultation at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

6 Tips for a Healthy Colon

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Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women in the United States.

As cases continue to rise in younger people, the American Cancer Society has lowered the age to 45 for a colonoscopy. Earlier screenings can help doctors to diagnose more cases and possibly prevent colon cancer in many patients.

But…What is a colon?

In the human body, the colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine, and is part of the digestive system. This system holds a group of organs that allow us to eat and to convert our food to fuel for our bodies. A colon that is not functioning properly may cause issues such as abdominal pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, constipation, or even fever.

While a colonoscopy is essential for diagnosing colon cancer, it’s also important to take good care of your colon in the process too!

Here are 6 tips for a healthy colon:

  1. Watch diet and exercise.

Carrying extra weight on your body increases the risk of colon cancer, along with other various types of cancer. Just 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week can make a difference for not only your overall health, but your colon health too. Try walking to get started.

  1. Eat your veggies and fiber-rich foods.

Choosing healthy foods goes without saying in any list regarding health, but it’s especially true for colon health. Items like veggies and high-fiber foods can help prevent colon cancer, while fried foods and processed meats can help accelerate issues.

  1. Limit alcohol and nix smoking.

Alcohol consumption should be no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men. And if you smoke, quit, as it doesn’t serve the body well in any capacity!

  1. Drink plenty of fluids.

Drinking the recommended amount of water each day keeps the entire body, including your colon, healthy and functioning properly. Try these ideas for creative ways to drink more water.

  1. Have regular bowel movements.

Your colon was not designed to hold onto waste, so it’s important to have 1-2 bowel movements each day to keep your colon healthy.

  1. Get a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is more than a screening tool. It can prevent cancer by discovering precancerous changes, called polyps, and removing them before they develop further into cancer. Our board-certified gastroenterologists are ready to see you in our office to perform this potentially life-saving procedure.

Reminder: The year is almost over, and your deductible will reset in January. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, contact us today.

Our team at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience to help you feel your best.

Pandemic Lockdown Delays Cancer Diagnosis, Results in Poor Outcomes

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Delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in worse outcomes for some patients, according to recently published data.

Many medical services were suspended across the globe during the first mandatory lockdown in the spring of 2020. Furthermore, many patients were reluctant to come to healthcare facilities for routine screenings or appointments due to fear of being exposed to COVID.

Study: Delaying CRC diagnosis increased tumor burden

A recent study referenced in Medscape analyzed data collected during the enrollment phase for a phase 2 clinical trial in France.

In the analysis, 40 people were screened before the first COVID-19 lockdown in France, and 40 people were screened following the lockdown.

“To our knowledge, this study was the first to assess the association between COVID-19 restrictions and delayed treatment and diagnostic services for a specific cancer,” the researchers noted in Becker’s Hospital Review.

Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the lockdown exhibited a burden of tumor tissue cells nearly seven times higher than those diagnosed before the pandemic.

In addition, the study showed the median survival decreased from 20 months to just less than 15 months in patients with the higher tumor burden, according to Medscape.

“I think that reasons for diagnosis delays are similar in the US as in France,” said lead author Alain Thierry, Ph.D., director of research, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, France in the Medscape article. “They imply individual reluctance or fears or difficulty of carrying out a screening test or to visit a medical doctor or an oncologist during the lockdown period.”

Don’t delay colon cancer screening

Delaying treatment and diagnostic services, like colonoscopy, can lead to poor outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

“Delayed screening very likely leads to advanced cancers, and it is highly likely that the pandemic raised the threshold that patients would seek medical care for subacute symptoms,” said Theodore S. Hong, MD, director of gastrointestinal services at Mass General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts in Medscape. “This is leading to many patients presenting with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s recommendation for baseline colon cancer screenings is 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer.

Although there are other screening tests, colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because the procedure both detects and removes precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. To avoid any confusion, contact your health insurance agent or employer’s human resources department.

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A Cure for a Pain in the Neck: An Ergonomic Workstation

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Is your workspace causing neck or back pain? It may be time to redesign your work area to make it conducive to proper alignment and posture.

Why Does My Neck Hurt Every Day?

If the average human head weighs 12 pounds, it’s no surprise that you may experience daily neck pain during the workday. Slumping in your desk chair or spending hours looking down at documents can lead to chronic discomfort.

When you bend your neck to 45 degrees, your head puts almost 50 pounds of force on your neck. This can cause muscle and joint strain and affect your breathing and even your mood.

Creating an Ergonomic Work Station

Most people try to adjust their body to their workstation instead of making their workstation compatible with their body. For example, did you know the average desk is for people who are 5-foot-10?

An ergonomic workspace promotes good posture by keeping the body in a neutral position. It also increases efficiency and comfort by placing all your office accessories precisely to keep everything within easy reach. In addition, this arrangement prevents overuse injuries and is gentle on the neck, back and spine.

If you are experiencing daily pain from sitting at your desk, try these six suggestions to create an ergonomic office: Evaluate the placement of your computer monitor on your desk. Is your monitor too far away, too high, too low or too small? You can adjust the height of your monitor or your chair, so your eyes are level with the top of the screen.

  1. A comfortable chair that supports your back— A good office chair will support the natural curve of your back. Purchase a quality chair with lumbar support that is reclined slightly to 100 to 110 degrees. You may substitute a lumbar support pillow or seat cushion as well.
  2. A desk at the proper height for your body—One size does not fit all when it comes to desks. For example, your feet should touch the ground when seated, and your arms should be parallel to the floor or angled toward your lap when typing on a keyboard. A height-adjustable desk is a good choice because you can customize the settings for your comfort.
  3. An external, ergonomic keyboard–If your shoulders feel strained, you can consider purchasing an ergonomic keyboard like a split keyboard, a partially split keyboard or a keyboard that does not have a number pad.
  4. A mouse that feels comfortable in your hand–Using a touchpad or a standard mouse can strain your wrists and fingers. Instead, find a mouse that works well for you, or consider a trackball or a stylus with a graphics tablet.
  5. A monitor set within arm’s reach, at a comfortable height—Your display should be positioned so that your eye level is about two or three inches from the top of the screen. It would help if you did not have to look up or strain your neck to see your monitor.
  6. Good lighting—Sufficient lighting will help reduce craning your neck or straining your eyes. Try to use natural light when possible because sunlight also helps boost your mood (Wirecutter).

By making some changes to equipment and placement, you should be able to sit comfortably at your desk for several hours without pain.

Find an Orthopedic Surgeon in Your Area

Making changes to your workspace should help reduce the neck, back, shoulder, knee or hip pain you may be experiencing. However, some people may find they still feel chronic pain daily.  You don’t have to live with neck and back pain. Call your orthopedist and make an appointment before the end of the year.  There are treatments available to help you get relief and enjoy life again.

Can Monovision Reduce Your Dependence on Glasses?

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Do you find yourself squinting to read food labels, menus or your phone? You may have presbyopia, or “aging eye.” As we age, the eye lens loses flexibility, and it becomes difficult to focus on close objects. There are many ways to treat presbyopia. Many people may opt to use a magnifying glass, reading glasses or prescription glasses.

Another option is called monovision or blended vision. This kind of vision can be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK (refractive surgery) or an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

How Monovision or Blended Vision Works

Everyone has a dominant eye. It is usually the eye that you prefer seeing with if you cover one eye. Your eye doctor can correct your dominant eye for distance vision and leave your non-dominant eye slightly nearsighted to use for seeing objects up close.

Even though it is called monovision, you are still using both eyes. When you are reading or driving, the brain slightly suppresses one eye, but both eyes still contribute visual information.  Many people find monovision works well for them, but it varies among individuals.

Is Monovision Right for You?

Not everyone can adapt to monovision. Your ophthalmologist may recommend trying blended vision using contact lenses first before a surgical procedure like cataract surgery. In cataract surgery, a surgeon will remove the deteriorated, brittle lens and replace it with an artificial, intraocular lens customized to your vision needs. Often, cataract surgery can reduce dependence on glasses. In some cases, when people can learn monovision, they may not have to wear glasses at all.

Are There Any Downsides to Monovision?

Some patients experience problems with monovision. These may include:

  • Eye fatigue or eye strain from too much near work–You may try using reading glasses for the distance vision eye.
  • Blurred vision—You may need to wear distance glasses to correct the reading eye.
  • Blurry intermediate vision—You may find computer tasks are difficult, and you might need intermediate correction.
  • Challenges with night driving—You may experience glare, burn and flare when driving at night, and you may need glasses part-time (Stanford Health Care).

In some cases, people may lose some depth perception when one eye focuses on distance and the other eye focuses on close objects. Some people find they still need reading glasses to decipher small print.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you considering cataract surgery, or would you like to reduce your dependence on glasses and corrective lenses? Call your ophthalmologist to make an appointment to discuss monovision. Don’t wait until the beginning of the year when your deductible resets. Call today to maximize the benefits of your health plan.

Can Vitamin D Reduce Your Risk for Colon Cancer?

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Colon cancer is declining overall in many countries, but incidence is increasing in younger adults. The National Cancer Institute reports that colon cancer rates have doubled among adults under 50 since the 1990s.

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests increased levels of vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer in adults under 50.

New Research Regarding Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones, supporting immune health and maintaining muscle and brain cell function. But can vitamin D also impact colon cancer risk?

Scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other institutions, analyzed data from 94,205 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II. They were particularly interested in finding an association between total vitamin D intake and early-onset colon cancer, diagnosed prior to 50 years of age.

Kimmie Ng is the Director of the Young-Onset Colon Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “Vitamin D has known activity against colorectal cancer in laboratory studies.” Ng said. “Because vitamin D deficiency has been steadily increasing over the past few years, we wondered whether this could be contributing to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals” (The Harvard Gazette).

Ng and colleagues found that higher total vitamin D intake had a significant association with reduced risk of young-onset colon cancer. Between 1991 to 2015, Ng and her team documented 111 cases of early-onset colon cancer and 3,317 colorectal polyps. The study showed women who took 300 IU or more of vitamin D per day had a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer. That is the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of milk.

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

Dietary vitamin D, especially dairy products, displayed more favorable results than vitamin D supplements. This finding suggests that vitamin D offers more protective benefits when ingested in food sources. Good sources of vitamin D include:

  • Fortified milk, yogurt and cheese
  • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring
  • Egg yolks
  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Certain fortified breakfast cereals and orange juice
  • Mushrooms

How You Can Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

While a vitamin-rich diet and exercise are important for cancer prevention, the best way to lower your risk for colon cancer is a colon cancer screening. The gold standard is colonoscopy because it allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for precancerous growths called polyps and remove any suspicious lesions. Colonoscopy offers not only the ability to diagnose colon cancer, but to treat and prevent it, all in a single exam.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you had a colonoscopy recently? The recommended age for colon cancer screening has been lowered to 45, so it may be time for you to schedule an appointment. The year is almost over, and your deductible will reset in January. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, you should consult your physician. Colonoscopy may be recommended regardless of age.

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the calendar year. Colonoscopy is considered preventive care, so your procedure could be very low-cost or even free. Time is running out, so call your insurance company today to take full advantage of your health benefits.

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Pandemic Quarantine May Have Worsened Children’s Vision

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A recent study suggests that pandemic lockdown may have increased myopia, or nearsightedness, in school-aged children.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is a worldwide health issue. Insufficient time outside is a significant risk factor in developing myopia, as well as increased near-work activity.

The 2020 lockdown closed schools across the country and confined millions of children to their homes. While quarantine was essential to protect against the COVID-19 virus, too much time indoors may have negatively impacted children’s vision health.

Lockdown Affected Children Ages Six to Eight the Most

According to research published in JAMA Opthalmology, COVID quarantine may have increased myopia in children ages six to 13 in China, particularly children between six and eight. Researchers suggest higher levels of screentime due to online classes and more time spent on electronic devices negatively affect children’s vision.

Researchers analyzed data of over 123,000 children aged 6 to 13 years from 10 elementary schools in Feicheng, China. The prevalence of myopia in 2020 was higher than myopic rates among all age groups in the past five years.

Experts theorize that less time outdoors affects young children more significantly because their eyes are in an earlier stage of development, and myopia may be easier to control in younger children.

Send Children Outside and Limit Screen Time

Because children’s eyes are so sensitive to environmental factors, parents have an instrumental role in protecting their children’s vision. There are many ways parents can encourage healthy habits in their children during the critical period that can affect myopia:

  • Encourage children to play outside every day for at least 40 minutes.
  • Limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time (except video-chatting) in children younger than 18 to 24 months, and only educational media for young children.
  • Establish a rule that that there is no screen time within an hour of bedtime. New research from The Sleep Foundation suggests blue light from electronic devices can impair children’s sleep. Artificial light disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle by fooling the brain into not producing melatonin before bed.

Schedule an Eye Exam Before the End of the Year

Have you scheduled eye exams for your family? A comprehensive eye exam is one of the best decisions you can make for your eye health, and it only takes about an hour. Your eye doctor can assess your visual acuity and screen you for common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Most vision plans cover one eye exam per year per covered individual, so don’t let time get away from you. Call your eye doctor today to make a comprehensive eye exam appointment for the whole family.

Elite Athletes Should Visit Their Orthopedist Regularly

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If you are an elite athlete who performs at a competitive level, you should visit your orthopedist regularly to avoid injury.

Repetitive motions can cause overuse injuries in joints and lead to permanent damage. A new study on college baseball players finds that repetitive overhead throwing can cause shoulder overuse injuries and season-ending rotator cuff damage.

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that control the movement of the shoulder. Throwing overhead can cause the rotator cuff tendons to compress through the joint and eventually cause shoulder pain. This condition can advance to acute tendonitis.

Baseball Players Are Prone to Rotator Cuff Injuries

Baseball is a physically demanding sport and can cause muscle strains, shoulder instability, labral tears, thrower’s elbow and rotator cuff injuries.

Daniel A. Charen, MD, a resident in the department of orthopedic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, examined shoulder injury data from male baseball players using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program. Of the 138 shoulder injuries, 51.4% occurred during practice. Almost half of the injuries included damage to the rotator cuff.

The study also found:

  • 100% of players had rotator cuff tendonitis
  • 5% had SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears
  • 70% of players had biceps tendinitis
  • 67% of players with rotator cuff tears had a mechanism of injury of pitching or throwing

Physicians who treat baseball players and other throwing athletes must understand the role that throwing volume, adaptive changes and internal impingement play in overuse injuries.

Christopher S. Ahmad is the Head Team Physician for the New York Yankees and the Rockland Boulders and a member of the Major League Baseball Team Physicians Association. In an interview with Orthopedics Today, he said doctors and trainers must pay attention to core muscles and strength in the throwing athlete. Regular care and follow-up are the keys for safe play (Healio).

Schedule Your Orthopedic Surgery Before Deductible Resets

Are you experiencing chronic shoulder pain? Shoulder injuries are not limited to athletes. Make an appointment with your orthopedist to discuss your shoulder or joint pain. You may need treatment or even a surgical procedure to find relief.

The end of the year is approaching, so it would be best to schedule a procedure before the year-end. Now is a good time to contact your insurance company to ask if you have met your deductible. If you have already met your deductible, your procedure may be more affordable or even fully covered.

When Is Hemorrhoid Banding Recommended?

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Countless individuals will develop hemorrhoids during their life. Even though the precise reason for hemorrhoids may not be clear, some factors that increase their risk include chronic constipation or loose stools, pregnancy, obesity, and recurrent straining when emptying the bowels. Hemorrhoids, while highly uncomfortable, carry few serious complications and a number of effective treatment solutions are available to remove them.

Patients who are suffering from hemorrhoids can find professional hemorrhoid treatment at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our local New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists provide specialized care for hemorrhoids and additional conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The experienced gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide education on the types of hemorrhoid treatments that may be used, including hemorrhoid banding.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are bulging or enlarged veins on the anus or in the rectum. Similar to varicose veins located in the legs, hemorrhoids are commonly uncomfortable but typically innocuous. Hemorrhoids can be internally or externally located. Internal hemorrhoids, or those found within the rectum, usually do not result in pain or discomfort, though they may bleed in some instances. External hemorrhoids, which are located beneath the tissue around the anus, often result in the most discomfort or pain. In the event that a blood clot arises in an external hemorrhoid, it is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid and may be even more uncomfortable or painful. Common signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

  • Discomfort or itch in the anus
  • Blood in the stool
  • Rectal bleeding

Who is a good candidate for hemorrhoid banding?

Commonly called rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a minimally invasive treatment where a small rubber band is arranged around the base of a hemorrhoid. This band stops blood flow to the hemorrhoid and over the course of about 7 days or so, the hemorrhoid usually dries up and falls off. Patients who are good candidates for rubber band ligation have internal hemorrhoids that regularly bleed or cause major discomfort and who have been unable to soothe their discomfort with other remedies, such as nonprescription medicine or lifestyle improvements. Rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids might not be advised for adults having inflammatory bowel disease, rectal cancer, a latex allergy, or bleeding disorders.

What is the hemorrhoid ligation process?

The experienced specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates routinely provide rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids in New Orleans, LA individuals. The gastrointestinal doctor places a scope into the anus and utilizes an instrument to secure the hemorrhoid before positioning a small rubber band around its base. Typically, the procedure is only conducted for one hemorrhoid at a time except for when general anesthesia is used. Cutting-edge approaches enable this process to be nearly painless even in the absence of numbing agents, though the majority of individuals will report a sensation of fullness in the rectum for about 24 hours following the procedure. Once the hemorrhoid is banded, it typically requires a few days for it and the ligature to detach, often during a trip to the bathroom. Oftentimes, patients do not even realize when this takes place.

How successful is hemorrhoid ligation treatment?

Rubber band ligation is regarded to be much more successful than many other treatments for hemorrhoids. The procedure itself is substantially less invasive as opposed to surgical options and only requires around ten minutes to complete when performed by the doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Around eight out of every ten patients who undergo rubber band ligation for hemorrhoids will not require further treatment. Hemorrhoids treated with rubber banding are a lot less likely to return.

Learn more about hemorrhoid banding in New Orleans, LA

It is common for adults who suffer from hemorrhoids to feel uncomfortable about getting professional care. Hemorrhoid banding at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is a minimally invasive and simple procedure that has provided increased comfort to many patients. Contact our caring team today to set up an appointment with a digestive health specialist in New Orleans, LA and to learn more about hemorrhoid banding or other treatment options.