Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the examination of the lower part of gastrointestinal tract which is also called colon or large intestine.
Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large intestine with a CCD camera or a fibre optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus.
It can provide a visual diagnosis (e.g. ulceration,polyps,inflammation of mucous, diverticulitis and tumors) and grants the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspected correctional cancer lesions.It can also be performed for therapeutic reasons (polyp removal). Colonoscopy is also a method of early detection and prevention of colon cancer.
In order for the examination to be carried out successfully, the colon must be free of solid matter. It is very important that the patient remains hydrated.
The day before the colonoscopy, the patient is either given a laxative preparation and large quantities of fluid, or whole bowel irrigation is performed.
Why is colonoscopy done
Check for the cause of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Check for the cause of dark or black stools
Check for the cause of chronic diarrhea
Check for the cause of iron defficiency anaemia
Check of the cause of sudden unexpexted weight loss
Check the colon after abnormal results from a CT scan, MR, virtual colonoscopy, stool test or barium enema
Watch or treat inflammatory bowel disease
Check for the cause of long-term unexplained stomach pain.
How to prepare for colonoscopy
Before this test, you will need to cleanse your colon. Your doctor will give you the necessary instructions before the test
– one to two days before the colonoscopy , you will stop eating
solid foods and drink only clear fluids
-your doctor will recommend laxative tablet and/or laxative solution that you drink before your colonoscopy. You may need to drink this laxative solution over 1 to 2 hours in the evening before the test. This solution may taste very salty and may make you feel sick
– you will need to stay home while doing the colon preparation because it will make you use the bathroom often.
– drink plenty of cear fluids during the preparation so you will not get dehydrated.
– do not eat any solid food after the preparation
-stop drinking clear liquids 6 to 8 hours before the colonoscopy.
– you may be asked to stop taking aspirin products or iron supplements 7 to 14 days before the test. If you take blood-thinning medicines regularly, discuss with your doctor how to manage your medicine.
-tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines, and if you have any allergies.
How is this procedure carried out
During colonoscopy you should lie on your left aide with your knees pulled up to your belly. This examination may be carried out without anasthesia or only with analgosedation which you will discuss with your doctor. The examination lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.
The doctor will insert a thin, flexible colonoscope in your anus and move it slowly through the rectum and into your colon. Air will be used to inflate your colon so the doctor can look at the lining of the colon through the scope or on a computer screen hooked to the scope.
You may feel the need to have a bowel movement and you may also feel some cramping. You will likely feel and hear some air escape around the scope. There is no need to be embarrassed about it.
The doctor will look at the whole length of your colon as the scope is gently moved in and then out of your colon. He may also use tiny tools through the scope to collect tissue samples ( biopsy) or take out growths. Most polyps are benign but they may have malignant alterations over a longer period of time.
After the test
After the test you may need to stay at the hospital from 1to 2 hours or you may be allowed to leave sooner with the person who will take you home. You will feel sleepy after the test for a few hours because of the sedatives.
After the test, you may have bloating or crampy gas pains and may need to pass some gas. If a biopsy was done or a polyp taken out you may have traces of blood in your stool for a few days.
Your doctor will tell you when you can eat your normal diet and do your normal activities an when to continue taking aspirin or blood thinning medications.
Results of colonoscopy
Your doctor may be able to tell you the results immediately after the procedure. Other test results are ready in 2 to 4 days.
Search for additional information:Colonoscopy
