It is perfectly okay to be afraid of having a colonoscopy. But, please don't let that stop you from making the appointment. Today, we are going to share exactly what happens during a colonoscopy. As always, if you have questions, please talk to your doctor.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that is performed by a gastroenterologist. A long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end is used to look inside the colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can identify ulcers, polyps, or irritated and swollen tissue in your intestine.
Preparing for a Colonoscopy
- Talk to your gastroenterologist about what medications - both over the counter and prescription - that you are taking prior to the procedure
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
- Follow the doctor's instructions involving the prep prior to surgery
- Clear diet 1-3 days prior to procedure
- Laxatives or enemas the day prior to the procedure
- Laxatives can be in pill or powder form. Powdered form usually requires drinking large amounts of the mixture several times a day.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Colonoscopies are usually performed at a hospital or outpatient center. Usually, the patient is given light anesthesia and pain medication to relax. Medical staff will be on hand to monitor your vital signs and to help make you as comfortable as possible. An IV will be placed in your arm to administer anesthesia prior to the procedure.
The patient will lie on a table as the doctor inserts the scope into your body and slowly looks at your rectum and colon. The scope can inflate the large intestine with air enabling the doctor to see better. The camera projects onto a computer screen, allowing the gastroenterologist to examine the tissue closely. When the scope reaches the small intestine, the doctor slowly removes it while examining the large intestine again.
During the colonoscopy, the doctor can remove polyps to be sent for testing. Polyps are common and usually harmless, but most colon cancers begin as a polyp. Removing polyps early is a way to prevent cancer. The doctor might also perform a biopsy. This involves taking a small piece of tissue for further examination. You will not feel the polyp removal or biopsy.
Colonoscopies usually take 30-60 minutes. Often, patients ask "when do we start?" when the procedure has already been completed!
What Happens After the Procedure?
- 1-2 hour stay might be required after the procedure
- Cramping or bloating may occur 1-2 hours after the test
- Anesthesia takes awhile to wear off
- Full recovery is expected by the day following the procedure
- Normal diet can be resumed the day following the procedure
- Instructions will be given prior to discharge
- A friend or family member should drive the patient home
- If polyps or a biopsy was performed, light bleeding is normal
- Some results are available immediately after the procedure
- Biopsies usually take a few days to come back with results
Your doctor will go over these items and how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Remember to call your doctor with any questions or concerns. Your doctor will indicate signs of complications, and tell you what to do in those situations.
Isn't a 20 minute nap worth your life?
What are you waiting for? There is nothing to fear. Pick up the phone and make the appointment today. It could save your life.
For more information on screening, visit our colon cancer screening page.
Source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/
2 comments:
More information regarding how the procedure is performed would be benificial to the patient. Your information should include that a digital rectal exam is done prior to the procedure, that standard lubrication will be applied to the scope, the type of methods utilized to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level via a nasal tube and the different types of sedation at its side effects. Additionally the number of staff usually present in the room and that abdominal pressure mat need to be applied to facilitate the passage of the colonoscope and that it is possible the the patient's genitals could be exposed during the applying of abdominal ptressure.
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