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A colonoscopy is a visual exam of the lining of the large intestine. It is done with a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a light and a camera. - Large instestine (also called bowel or colon)
- Rectum
It is done to examine, diagnose, and treat problems in the large intestine. The procedure is most often recommended for the following reasons:
- To locate the source of lower intestinal bleeding
- To diagnose changes in bowel habits
- To determine the cause of lower abdominal pain
-
To detect early signs of
colon cancers or pre-cancers (polyps)
in individuals without symptoms but who are at increased risk for these conditions
- To obtain tissue samples for testing
- To remove a polyp (an abnormal growth on the inside lining of the intestine)
- To stop intestinal bleeding
-
Active
colitis,
diverticulitis, or other acute bowel disease
- Previous treatment with radiation therapy
- Treatment with certain medications, including aspirin and other drugs with blood-thinning properties
Your doctor will likely do the following: - Physical exam
- Health history
- Review of medications
- Test to check your stool for hidden blood, called "occult blood"
In the days leading up to your procedure:
- Your colon must be completely cleaned out before the procedure. A number of methods may be used, including enemas, laxatives, and a clear-liquid diet. You may be asked to drink a large container of solution that aids in the emptying of the colon. This may start several days before the procedure. It is important that you complete this preparation step.
- Do not take bulk-forming laxatives or iron-containing medications or supplements for one week before the procedure, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning drugs for one week before the procedure, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not eat or drink anything for 8 to 10 hours before the procedure.
- If you have insulin-dependent diabetes, ask your doctor about any adjustments to your insulin dose.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
Sedation is given to decrease discomfort. You lie on your left side with knees bent and drawn up toward your chest. The lubricated, pencil-sized colonoscope is slowly inserted through the rectum and into the bowel. The colonoscope injects air into the colon. A small attached video camera lets the doctor view the colon's lining on a video screen. The doctor will continue guiding the instrument through the bowel and assess the lining, looking for problems. A tissue sample or polyps may be removed. A biopsy is always necessary to diagnose cancer or pre-cancer. If tissue is removed, a small amount of bleeding may occur during the first 2 days after the procedure. A lab will exam any tissue or fluid that was removed. The colonoscopy takes less than one hour. Expect to stay at the hospital or doctor's office for another hour or two or until the sedative wears off. Because of the medication used, it is generally required that someone drive you home from the procedure. Although most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure, there may be feelings of cramping, bloating, fullness, or a need to have a bowel movement. - Bleeding
- Perforation or puncture of the bowel
There is no hospital stay associated with a colonoscopy procedure. - Because the sedative will make you drowsy, don't drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions the day of the procedure.
- Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Feelings of bloating, gas, or cramping may persist for 24 hours.
- Resume medications as instructed by your doctor.
- Resume your normal diet, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
The doctor will usually give you a preliminary report after the medication wears off. The results from a biopsy can take as long as 1 to 2 weeks. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. - Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Bleeding; notify the doctor if you pass a teaspoon or more of blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe nausea or vomiting
Last reviewed November 2007 by Daus Mahnke, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
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