A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is done to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The examination uses an instrument called a colonoscope. This flexible instrument, is very long and includes a camera and the ability to remove tissue.
The colonoscope is a four-foot long, flexible tube about the thickness of a finger with a camera and a source of light at its tip. The tip of the colonoscope is inserted into the anus and then is advanced slowly, under visual control, into the rectum and through the colon usually as far as the cecum, which is the first part of the colon.
A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bleeding, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits.
During Colonoscopy
The colonoscopy is performed by a doctor experienced in the procedure and lasts approximately 30–60 minutes. Medications will be given into vein to make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the examining table.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible, tubular instrument about 1/2-inch in diameter that transmits an image of the lining of the colon so the doctor can examine it for any abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine.
The scope bends, so the doctor can move it around the curves of colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the doctor move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which expands the colon and helps the doctor see more clearly.
It may feel mild cramping during the procedure. It can reduce the cramping by taking several slow, deep breaths during the procedure. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is carefully examined.
During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy), and abnormal growths, or polyps, can be identified and removed. In many cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.
Why is colonoscopy done?
Colonoscopy may be done for a variety of reasons. The vast majority of colonoscopies are performed as part of screening programs to diagnose colon cancer.
When done for other reasons, it is most often done to investigate the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a change in bowel habit, or an abnormality found on colonic X-rays or computerized axial tomography (CT) scan.
Individuals with a previous history of polyps or colon cancer and certain individuals with a family history of some types of non-colonic cancers or colonic problems that may be associated with colon cancer (such as colonic polyps) may be advised to have periodic colonoscopies because their risks are greater for polyps or colon cancer.
How often should one undergo colonoscopy depends on the degree of the risk for cancer and the abnormalities found at previous colonoscopies.
One widely accepted recommendation has been that even healthy people at normal risk for colon cancer should undergo colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter for the purpose of removing colonic polyps before they become cancerous.
What to Do Before a Colonoscopy?
Before a colonoscopy, let your doctor know about any special medical conditions you have, including the following:
- Pregnancy
A pregnant woman should always consult her obstetrician before having any kind of procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy for screening, it is best to wait after pregnancy. However, colonoscopy is generally believed to be safe during pregnancy.
- Lung conditions
- Heart conditions
- Allergies to any medications
- If you have diabetes or take medications that may affect blood clotting; adjustments to these medications may be required before the colonoscopy.
Never stop taking any medication without first consulting doctor.
You may need to take antibiotics before the colonoscopy if you:
- Have an artificial heart valve
- Have ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure
After Colonoscopy
After colonoscopy process, there are few steps to follow:
- Stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation
- Feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this usually passes quickly
- Can resume your normal diet
Read discharge instructions carefully. Certain medications, such as blood-thinning agents, may need to be avoided temporarily if biopsies were taken or polyps were removed.
Bleeding and puncture of the colon are rare but possible complications of colonoscopy. Call doctor right away if you have any of the following:
- Excessive or prolonged rectal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills
Risks of a Colonoscopy
Since a colonoscopy is a routine procedure, there are typically few lasting effects from this test. In the vast majority of cases, the benefits of detecting problems and beginning treatment far outweigh the risks of complications from a colonoscopy.
However, some rare complications include:
· Adverse reaction to the sedative used during the exam
· Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed
· A tear in the colon or rectum wall (perforation)
After discussing the risks of colonoscopy with you, your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure.
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