A colonoscopy is where the doctor uses an instrument called a colonoscope to look at the inside of the lining of your large bowel. This is done to see if there are any growths, polyps, cancers, or diseases in your bowel. A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light attached, which allows the doctor to see the pictures of the inside of our bowel on a video screen. The scope bends so that the doctor can move it around the curves of your colon and blows air into your bowel so that the doctor can see better. As a result, you might feel slight pressure, bloating, or cramping after the procedure.
Additionally, this instrument can be used to remove or burn growths, polyps or take biopsies. This procedure starts from your back passage (rectum) and goes to the right side of your bowel (ascending colon). You will lie on your side or back while your doctor slowly passes the colonoscope along your large bowel to look at the bowel lining. The doctor will examine the lining again as the colonoscope is taken out. It may take between 15 — 50 min, and samples of the bowel may need to be removed for pathology tests. The procedure requires sedation by an anesthesiologist.
There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are NOT limited to the following:
Common risks and complications include:
Uncommon risks and complications include:
Rare risks and complications include:
Polyps are fleshy growths in the bowel lining, and they can be as small as a tiny dot or up to several centimetres in size. They are not usually cancer but can grow into cancer over time. Taking polyps out is an important way of preventing bowel cancer. The doctor usually removes a polyp during a colonoscopy, using a wire loop to remove the polyp from the bowel wall. An electric current is sometimes also used, and this is not painful.
You will need to phone the practice a few days after your procedure and speak to my secretary who will give you the results if they are available. You will also need to book a follow-up appointment for two weeks after your procedure.
Your symptoms may worsen, and the doctor will not be able to diagnose abdominal pain and discomfort.
You are less at risk of problems if you do the following:
Your colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete, so be sure to follow your instructions carefully otherwise, you may need to have the test again. In addition, iron tablets need to be stopped at least one week before your procedure. See this pdf for full instructions.
There are several tests that can be performed, such as a:
Usually, both would be needed for your doctor to consider that your bowel has been thoroughly investigated.
A colonoscopy will still be required if some pathology is found.
You will be in the recovery area or ward until your sedation wears off. Your doctor will tell you when to eat and drink after the procedure or ask the nurse. Most times, this is straight after your procedure. You might experience some cramping, pain or bloating due to the air pumped into your bowel during the procedure. This should go away when you pass wind. No driving is allowed 24h after the procedure due to the sedation.