Chinese Doctor Performs Colonoscopy on Himself to See How Crappy it is For Patients

September 7, 2017

A physician in China had no problem subjecting himself to colonoscopy for the most meritorious reason.

Dr. Feng Zhuo, deputy director of the Proctology Department of a Shanghai hospital, ran the invasive procedure on himself on Aug. 31.

According to People’s Daily, Dr. Feng performed the procedure to have a better sense of how patients feel during one.

He said that his decision came after a careful consideration, hoping to improve his surgical skills so that he can help relieve suffering.

For those who may not know, a colonoscopy is an assessment test that allows doctors to visualize the inner lining of the rectum and the large intestine (colon). It is often used to detect changes or abnormalities in such areas, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To do this, doctors use a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, inserted through the anus. A small video camera, found at the tip of the instrument, serves as the probe.

After the test, Dr. Feng posted a detailed summary of his observations on WeChat, concluding that doctors must perform the procedure very gently. He also encouraged use of laxatives that tasted better.

Laxatives — in pill or liquid form — are often given before colonoscopies to help patients clear their bowel better.

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