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Your doctor has recommended that you have a medical
procedure called a colonoscopy to evaluate or treat your condition. This
information will help you understand how a colonoscopy can benefit you
and what you can expect before, during, and after this procedure.
What is a Colonoscopy?
The term "colonoscopy" means looking inside
the colon. It is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist, a
well-trained sub specialist.
The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your
digestive or GI tract. It starts at the cecum, which attaches to the end
of the small intestine, and it ends at the rectum and anus. The colon is
a hollow tube, about five feet long, and its main function is to store
unabsorbed food products prior to their elimination.
The main instrument that is used to look inside the
colon is the colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a
tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various
controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide
the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The
high quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and
gives a clear, detailed view.
A colonoscopy is more precise than an X-ray. This
procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the
colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a
suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy for further analysis. In
this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or to better define what
type of surgery may need to be done.
A shorter version of the colonoscope is called a
sigmoidoscope, which is an instrument used just to screen the lower part
of the large bowel only. The colonoscope, however, is long enough to
inspect all of the large bowel and even part of the small intestine.
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to evaluate
problems such as blood loss, pain, and changes in bowel habits such as
chronic diarrhea or abnormalities that may have first been detected by
other tests. Colonoscopies can also identify and treat active bleeding
from the bowel.
Colonoscopy is also an important way to check for colon
cancer and to treat colon polyps - abnormal growths on the inside lining
of the intestine. Polyps vary in size and shape and, while most are not
cancerous, some may turn into cancer. However, it is not possible to
tell just by looking at a polyp if it is malignant or potentially
malignant. This is why colonoscopy is often used to remove polyps, a
technique called a polypectomy.
How Do I Prepare for the
Procedure?
There are important steps that you must take to prepare
for the procedure. First, be prepared to give a complete list of all the
medicines you are taking, as well as any allergies you have to drugs or
other substances. Your medical team will also want to know if you have
any other medical conditions that may need special attention before,
during, or after the colonoscopy.
You will be given instructions in advance that will
outline what you should and should not do in preparation for
colonoscopy. Be sure to read and follow these instructions. One
very critical step is to thoroughly clean out the colon, which, for many
patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is
essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the
bowel is emptied determines the success of the procedure.
Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel. Whatever method or combination of methods that is recommended for
you, be sure to follow instructions as directed.
A colonoscopy can be done in either a hospital or
outpatient facility. You’ll be asked to sign a form that gives your
consent to the procedure and states that you understand what is
involved. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask for more
information.
What Can You Expect During a
Colonoscopy?
During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure
your comfort. An intravenous, or IV, line will be inserted to give you
medication to make you relaxed and drowsy. The drug will enable you to
remain awake and cooperative, but it may prevent you from remembering
much of the experience.
Once you are fully relaxed, your doctor will do a rectal
exam with a gloved, lubricated finger; then the lubricated colonoscope
will be gently inserted.
As the scope is slowly and carefully passed, air is
introduced to help advance the scope. You may feel some cramping or fullness. Generally, however, there
is little or no discomfort.
What are the Possible Complications
from a Colonoscopy?
Although a colonoscopy is a safe procedure,
complications can sometimes occur but this is very rare. These include
perforation - a puncture of the colon walls, which could require
surgical repair.
When a polyp is removal or a biopsy is performed,
hemorrhage (heavy bleeding) may result and sometimes require blood
transfusion or reinsertion of the colonoscope to control the bleeding.
Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about the
procedure with your doctor.
The time needed for colonoscopy will vary, but on the
average, the procedure takes about 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be
cared for in a recovery area until the effects of the medication have
worn off. At this time, your doctor will inform you about the results of
your colonoscopy and provide any additional information that you need to
know. You’ll also be given instructions about how soon you can eat and
drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.
What Can You Expect After
Your Colonoscopy?
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as
bloating, gas, or mild cramping. These symptoms should disappear in 24
hours or less. By the time you’re ready to go home, you’ll feel
stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, rest for the remainder of the
day. This means not driving, so you’ll need to have a family member or
friend take you home.
We ask that you call our office in one week to get any
biopsy results. Please call
in the morning and your results will be reviewed by the physician. Normally, the doctor’s medical assistant will call you back
in the afternoon with your results.
Colonoscopy is an effective technique for
evaluating and, in many cases, improving your digestive health.
How A Colonoscopy
Works
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