Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables an examiner to evaluate the inside of the colon (large intestine).
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.
INDICATION
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.
PRE PROCEDURE
Patients are given detailed instructions about the cleansing preparation. In general,
- You must have a clear liquid diet for 24 to 72 hours before your procedure. The typical bowel prep diet includes:
- bouillon or broth
- gelatin
- plain coffee or tea
- pulp-free juice
- sports drinks, such as Gatorade
- this consists of drinking a large volume of a special cleansing solution or several days of a clear liquid diet and laxatives or enemas prior to the examination.
- Just before your colonoscopy, you’ll change into a hospital gown. Most people get a sedative, usually in pill form.
- During the procedure, you’ll lie on your side on a padded examination table. Your doctor may position you with your knees close to your chest to get a better angle to your colon.
- While you’re on your side and sedated, your doctor will guide a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope into your anus. Slowly and gently, they’ll guide it up through the rectum and into the colon. A camera on the end of the colonoscope transmits images to a monitor that your doctor will be watching.
- Once the scope is positioned, your doctor will inflate your colon using carbon dioxide gas. This gives them a better view.
- Your doctor may remove polyps or a tissue sample for biopsy during this procedure. You’ll be awake during your colonoscopy, so your doctor will be able to tell you what’s happening.
- The entire procedure takes about 40 minutes to an hour.
POST PROCEDURE
- After the procedure is done, you’ll wait for about an hour to allow the sedative wear off. You’ll be advised not to drive for the next 24 hours until its full effects fade.
- In addition, you’ll likely have some gas and bloating from the gas your doctor placed into your colon. Give this time to get out of your system. If it continues for days after, it could mean there’s a problem and you should contact your doctor.
- Also, a little bit of blood in your stool after the procedure is normal. However, call your doctor if you continue to pass blood or blood clots, experience abdominal pain, or have a fever over 100°F.
- If your doctor removes tissue or a polyp during a biopsy, they’ll send it to a laboratory for testing. Your doctor will tell you the results when they’re ready, which is normally within a few days.
- bleeding from a biopsy site if a biopsy was done
- a reaction to the sedative
- a tear in the rectal wall or colon