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Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your
entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way
up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The
procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and
rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes
in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed
tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, and bleeding.
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining
table. You will probably be given pain medication and a mild sedative
to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. The
physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum
and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the
colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon.
The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of
your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help
the physician move the scope. The scope also blows air into your
colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better.
If anything abnormal is seen in your colon, like a polyp or inflamed
tissue, the physician can remove all or part of it using tiny
instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then
sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the
physician can pass a laser, heater probe, or electrical probe, or
inject special medicines through the scope and use it to stop the
bleeding.
Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of
colonoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon.
Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine
should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will
need to remain at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the
sedative wears off.
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Preparation
Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough
and safe. To prepare for the procedure you may have to follow a liquid
diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon
or broth, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or
diet soda. Gelatin or popsicles in any color but red may also be
eaten. You will also take one of several types of laxatives the night
before the procedure. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you
home afterward--you will not be allowed to drive because of the
sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions.
Inform your physician of any medical conditions or medications that
you take before the colonscopy.
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