Know How iCliniq's Doctor Prevented a Patient From Getting a Colonoscopy

A patient who was suffering from abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea underwent laparotomy to remove adhesion a few weeks back, as the CT scan only showed adhesions. Sadly, the patient continued to have these symptoms even after the surgery and decided to consult a gastroenterologist on iCliniq.com. Since the patient was in terrible pain, she took antibiotics and painkillers herself for seven days, which seemed to improve the pain. She also started a low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols) diet. But, she still was in pain and wanted to know what else could cause such symptoms to last almost a month and if she needs to get a colonoscopy.

iCliniq's gastroenterologist wanted the patient to know that only a few patients with adhesions show symptoms. And that the patient's symptoms seem to be due to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Our doctor wanted the patient to get some relevant testing to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms and decide the need for antibiotics and colonoscopy. He also informed the patient that with small bowel surgery with adhesion, some blind bowel loop was likely formed, fostering bacteria's growth and leading to excessive gas formation. The doctor was concerned about the abdominal pain and wanted the patient to describe the pain.

During the follow-up message, the patient attached the results of the tests that our doctor had suggested. The patient told the doctor that her abdominal pain was severe before the surgery, but now it was much less. The pain triggered when she ate something, and it got relieved on passing gas. She also said that her gas and stool had a very foul smell.

Based on the reports and her symptoms, our doctor suggested that the patient took different antibiotics for 21 days and asked her to include more fiber in her diet. To the patient's relief, the doctor advised against getting a colonoscopy.

After following our doctor's treatment plan, the patient messaged, saying that she felt better and her abdominal pain was almost gone. She was delighted with the doctor's approach. Our doctor diagnosed and treated her condition online, and that too without the need for surgery or any other invasive tests.