Colonoscopy

• What is a Colonoscopy?

• What is the Colon?

• Preparing for the procedure

• The Procedure

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy allows the surgeon to look inside the entire large intestine. The enables them to see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. It is can also be used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum.

It is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

A colonoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment of colon abnormalities without the need for surgery.

What is the Colon?

The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive tract, or gastrointestinal tract. The colon is a hollow tube that starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. The colon is about 5 feet long, and its main function is to store unabsorbed food waste and absorb water and other body fluids before the waste is eliminated as stool.

Preparing for the procedure

Before the procedure the surgeon will see you for a consultation. During the consultation the surgeon will give instructions on preparing for the colonoscopy. The colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. To prepare for the procedure the candidate will need to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. The liquid diet should be clear and not contain food colorings, and may include:

• Fat-Free Bouillon or Broth

• Strained Fruit Juice

• Water

• Plain Coffee

• Plain Tea

• Diet Soft Drink

• Gelatin

Thorough cleansing of the bowel is necessary before a colonoscopy. The candidate may be asked to take a laxative the night before the procedure.

It is important to inform us and the surgeon of any medical conditions or medications taken on a regular basis such as:

• Aspirin

• Arthritis Medications

• Blood Thinners such as Ibuprofen

• Heart Medication

• Diabetes Medication

• Vitamins that contain Iron
  

The surgeon should also be informed if the patient has heart disease, lung disease, or any medical condition that may need special attention.

The Procedure

For the colonoscopy, the cadidate will be asked to lie on their left side on the examining table. They will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep them comfortable and help them relax. The doctor and a nurse will monitor their vital signs, look for any signs of discomfort, and make adjustments as needed.

The doctor will then insert a long, flexible, lighted tube, called a colonoscope into the rectum and slowly guide it into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a video screen so the doctor can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends so the doctor can move it around the curves in the colon.

The candidate may be asked to change positions several times so the doctor can see the different parts of the colon. The scope blows air into the colon and inflates it, which helps give the doctor a better view. Most patients do not remember the procedure afterwards.

The doctor can remove most abnormal growths in the colon, like a polyp, which is a growth in the lining of the bowel. Polyps are removed using tiny tools passed through the scope. Most polyps are not cancerous, but they could turn into cancer. Just looking at a polyp is not enough to tell if it is cancerous. The polyps are sent to a lab for testing. By identifying and removing polyps, a colonoscopy likely prevents most cancers from forming.

The doctor can also remove tissue samples to test in the lab for diseases of the colon (biopsy). In addition, if any bleeding occurs in the colon, the doctor can pass a laser, heater probe, electrical probe, or special medicines through the scope to stop the bleeding. The tissue removal and treatments to stop bleeding usually do not cause pain.

During the procedure the patient may feel mild cramping. This can be reduced by taking several slow, deep breaths. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of the bowel is carefully examined. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible but uncommon complications of a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine aleviates discomfort during the exam. There may be some cramping or the sensation of having gas after the procedure is completed, but it usually stops within an hour.

Medications such as blood-thinners may need to be stopped for a short time after having a colonoscopy, especially if a biopsy was performed or polyps were removed. Full recovery by the next day is normal and expected and the candidate may return to regular activities.

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