Delia's Screening

Turning 30 was OK… 40 was on the edge, but now Delia’s going to be 50…50! Delia is active and in good health. She exercises regularly and eats pretty healthy. She sees her doctor regularly for check-ups and any concerns that come up. She has no complaints.

Part of her turning 50 experience is a regular check-up. Dr. Brown confirms for Delia that she is indeed a very normal and healthy ‘almost’ 50-year-old.

In reviewing her records, he has some concern for her family history of colon cancer, which is what her grandmother died from. He urges her to have a colonoscopy to check for any problems. The appointment is scheduled.

Delia reads the information she’s been given and realizes that this is important for her health. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a small scope is placed into the rectum and colon to allow the doctor to look for abnormalities.

The preparation means certain dietary restrictions and drinking a liquid that helps clean out the colon.

Delia is relieved to know that the procedure is a lot more comfortable than it once was due to improvements in technology. The hospital is also very careful to make the process as private as possible to decrease any embarrassment. Even so, there’s just nothing wonderful about this process except that it can save a life.

On the day of her procedure Delia is prepared and she gets a ride to the hospital. She checks into the Admissions desk where the staff has her scheduled.

Delia is escorted to the procedure area where the nurse helps her get into a gown, and then calls the IV Therapy Nurse to start an IV for Delia.

Delia looks around the room and finds that it’s filled with monitors, screens, scopes and equipment carts. The nurse explains that much of this equipment is needed only if a problem is identified. It will allow them to deal with it immediately if necessary. Delia wonders who maintains all of this equipment.

Once Delia is positioned on the bed, lying comfortably on her side with a warm blanket to cover her, the procedure is ready to begin. The lights in the room are dimmed so the image shows up on the monitor better.

The nurse will be monitoring Delia’s blood pressure and the IV medication that will help Delia stay comfortable in a state of conscious sedation. She will be awake enough to answer questions.

The doctor inserts the flexible scope through the rectum and slowly threads it up and along the colon. Delia is interested in seeing the monitor so the doctor positions it so she can watch. The bowel is pink with lots of folds and wrinkles.

She can see it gently contracting. This is very interesting! The doctor finds a small polyp (growth) which he is able to collect by threading a snare through the tube, wrapping the loop of the snare over the polyp, tightening down and plucking it off the wall of the bowel. He brings the polyp out, puts it into a container, and sends it to a pathologist to analyze.

The exam is done and Delia is wheeled to the sparkling clean recovery area where she’ll be almost fully awake from the medication within an hour. She is informed that everything went well.

Delia goes home to rest, feeling very good as a very healthy ‘almost’ 50-year-old! The Health Information Management Department records all data, coding the treatments and billing the correct parties. Delia’s medical file is stored.

Take the Tour
It is recommended you take a minimum of three of these patient tours. You are welcome to go on as many as you like. Click on the story name to open it.

	Sam's Soccer Situation Learn what happens when Sam gets injured while playing soccer.
	Bob's Stress Test See the outcome of Bob's stress test as he struggles with heart health.
	The Accident Follow two students to the Emergency Department after they're in a car accident.
	Ricardo Stops Smoking Find out the health risks of smoking during Ricardo's stay at the hospital.
	Babies at the Family Birth Center Discover the Family Birth Center as Susie delivers her twins.
	Matt's Changes Follow along with Matt as he experiences the hospital's mental health offerings.
	Tanya's Lump TLearn what Tanya goes through with her cancer treatment at the hospital.
	Delia's Screening Discover the results of Delia's colonoscopy screening.