be five, could be seven, could even be just one, but that’s uncommon. “People who have a family history of colon cancer, their age is different,” he continues. “It’s age 40 or 10 years before the family member’s diagnosis, whichever comes first.” Dr. Serck explains how colonoscopies are much more than just a diagnostic test. “It’s the American College of Surgeons’ recommendation to not only detect but also prevent colon cancer, and it’s extremely important,” he says. “One of the beauties of a colonoscopy is it’s diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time.” While the surgeon is conducting the colonoscopy, the device’s technology allows the surgeon to remove the polyps as they’re found, in most instances. there’ Surgeons Luke Serck, MD; Ryan Garry, MD; and Jesse Kampshoff, MD, perform colonoscopies and other surgical procedures at Yankton Medical Clinic and are able to get patients in quickly. Photo by Jay Gravholt, Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan *Story reprinted with minor edits for clarity and publication style. —Continued on page 10 Better in the long run Many people dread preparing for the procedure. The day and night before a colonoscopy, the patient will fast and take prescribed laxatives that will clean out the colon prior to the procedure the next day. All three of the surgeons have gone through the procedure as well as performed them, so they understand the inconvenience. The bottom line, however, is that it’s really not a big deal— especially compared to colon cancer. “One of the things that happens when people don’t want to do it is that when they finally do and we find cancer, now you need to be prepped a bunch of times, or we see big polyps or numerous polyps that are going to take multiple colonoscopies to treat,” Dr. Serck says. “You maybe didn’t want to do it at 45, but then you did it at 65 and now you may need one every year for five years to kind of get caught up. I’m not sure patients always understand that.” “You have this done at 45. I nipped off a Tic Tac-sized polyp, and you’re good for five to 10 years,” he continues. “Your next one may be normal, and now you’re every 10 years. [Putting off a colonoscopy] can honestly lead to more down the road.” Dr. Kampshoff says he understands the stigma around the procedure because no one likes the bowel prep and the thought of what’s happening. He states: “I do think people sometimes get more embarrassed than they should be about having this done. We’ve all done it. The prep is not ideal, but it’s a tolerable thing to do and not that difficult. You sleep through the procedure. The vast majority of patients who do it realize it Spring/Summer 2025 9
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