A colonoscopy is a medical procedure involving an endoscopic exam evaluating the large bowel and distal portion of the small bowel. The examination is performed using either a fiber optic camera or a CCD camera mounted on a flexible tube that is passed through the anus.
There are reasons why a person needs to have a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy benefits help examine whether a person has cancer of the colon or colon polyps. The procedure helps find the cause of signs and symptoms, such as:
● bleeding from the rectum
● pus or mucus in the stools
● blood in the stools
● screening and supervision for colorectal cancer.
● unexplained abdominal pain
● changes in bowel habits
What happens during a colonoscopy procedure?
During the procedure, you will be laying down on the table while the doctor is inserting a colonoscope through the anus and into the rectum and colon. For a better view, the scope inflates the colon with air. The camera sends a video image to the monitor, allowing the doctor to closely take a look at the lining of the rectum and colon.
Before the colonoscopy procedure starts, an intravenous line will be inserted into the back of the hand, providing medications to make you drowsy and relaxed. Then, a medication will be given to you, providing deep sedation. This will make the procedure painless. A colonoscopy is done in a unit used for endoscopy procedures.
The patient’s position while on the procedure is lying on their left-hand side with the knees tucked up to the chest. Using a colonoscope, it is gently inserted through the anus and into the colon. The carbon dioxide or air is introduced to help the colonoscope pass when the colonoscope reaches the point where the colon joins the small intestine.
The doctor will slowly withdraw it while carefully checking the colon lining. Photographs are taken and the procedure takes 15-30 minutes. When colon polyps are found while on the colonoscopy procedure, they are removed, and the tissue will be sent for diagnosis and analysis. It is done to determine if the polyp is cancerous or not.
Biopsy or polyp removal may cause bleeding. Bleeding can be stopped during the procedure using clips or other methods. When the bleeding is serious, reinsertion of the colonoscope or blood transfusion is required to control it.
Is colonoscopy painful?
Not everyone has the same experience with colonoscopy, but you can rest assured that the procedure is painless. Anesthesia is injected so that you don’t feel the pain.
Does colonoscopy have side effects?
It is the most common question that many people would ask: what are the side effects of colonoscopy? You may feel bloating or cramping afterward. The doctor uses air to inflate the colon to get a better view. The polyp will be taken off using a suction device or water and certain surgical tools.
Most patients are returning to their normal activities a day after the surgery. Patients are recommended to take it easy with the scheduled activities for the first week after allowing enough time to get back to normal.
