| Hospital
gets new colonoscopes
St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation recently donated over $77,000 to the hospital to help fund the new colonoscopes; these new high resolution Pentax Medical i-series scopes improve visualization and polyp detection when performing colonoscopies. Through screening, a normal (benign) polyp called an adenoma can be removed before it becomes cancerous. Screening can also detect colorectal cancer early — when it is most curable. Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. Screening tests find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. “I was one of those people who definitely would not have gotten a colonoscopy, if I hadn’t been beaten down and badgered by my fellow co-workers and our providers,” commented an employee from St. Mary’s Hospital. “But I did have a polyp that would have manifested to cancer, so the screening probably literally saved my life. In five to ten years I would have most likely developed colon cancer. I now promote colonoscopies. There are few cancers you can prevent, but colon cancer is one of them; get your colonoscopy!” All adults (men and women) over the age of 50 are at risk for colorectal cancer and should be screened for adenomatous polyps and cancer. “I am 55 years old and I finally received a colonoscopy,” stated a SMH patient. “Based on what was found, I am glad I had it done. My friends are close to my age and I have strongly encouraged them to get the procedure done themselves. When they ask where I had mine done I told them at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood and I encouraged them to get theirs done at SMH too.” “Patients can find it reassuring that the PENTAX Medical i-series platform being used at St. Mary’s Hospital is the same technology currently being used at top academic teaching institutions and major hospitals throughout the world,” commented Steve Frei, SMH Surgical Supervisor. “Plus we are very fortunate to have such great technical providers that are able to deliver this vital service to the members of our communities.” 
Angie Murphy,OR/CS Tech is smiling as she holds the check the surgery department received from the SMH Foundation Department to help fund the new colonoscopes; Steve Frei, RN-CS/OR Coordinator, Pat Forsmann, OR/CS Supervisor and Natasha Vilensky, OR/CS Tech are gathered around the new scope. Photo provided by Cheri Holthaus. |
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