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A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that uses a long, flexible tube with a camera, called a colonoscope, to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This procedure is commonly used to detect abnormalities such as polyps, inflamed tissue, and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, the colonoscope is gently inserted through the anus to provide a detailed view of the colon lining, helping doctors detect early signs of disease. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed under sedation for the patient’s comfort and relaxation.
Colon-related diseases can lead to severe consequences, the most threatening of which is colon cancer. Colon cancer begins in the colon or large intestine and occurs when cells in this organ grow out of control. The early stages of abnormal colon cell behaviour manifest as polyp growth in the colon
Not all polyp growth progresses into colon cancer, but some eventually progress into cancer if left undetected. A colonoscopy is the best way to check the health of your colon and detect polyps or other signs of colorectal cancer under the care of a gastroenterologist.
Regular colonoscopy screenings are essential to catch any early-stage abnormalities and reduce the risk of cancer. Gastroenterologists are trained to carefully examine the colon during the procedure, providing early diagnosis and helping prevent more severe health issues.
Although the prospect of a colonoscopy may be intimidating, limited information about this procedure may cause more worry. Understanding the procedure and how it can help with your condition can provide a sense of comfort.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor will first give the patient certain intravenous medications that will make them feel relaxed and drowsy.
The patient will then be asked to lie on his/her left side on the examination table.
The doctor uses a long, flexible tube-like instrument called a colonoscope. It is inserted through the rectum and is moved towards the large intestine.
The colonoscope takes images of the inner lining of the colon for the doctor to look for the presence of abnormalities. Advanced technology, such as the Narrow Band Imaging technique (NBI) has been applied in detecting early-stage cancer.
Since the instrument is flexible and can bend, it allows the doctor to move it along the colon curves.
The doctor may also require the patient to shift positions during the process.
The instrument then blows air into the colon, which helps to expand it for the doctor to see clearly.
The doctor will remove small amounts of tissue for a biopsy if he finds an abnormality.
Finally, the doctor slowly withdraws the instrument from the colon and continues examining the whole colon.
The whole colonoscopy procedure takes about 10-30 minutes.
A Colonoscopy is an essential procedure for detecting possible abnormalities in the colon. Your gastroenterologist may recommend a colonoscopy for several reasons, including:
A colonoscopy is crucial for early detection and prevention of serious colorectal conditions, making it an important part of routine health checks, especially for individuals at higher risk of colon cancer.
Proper colonoscopy preparation is crucial for ensuring the procedure’s accuracy and effectiveness. Your gastroenterologist will prepare you for your colonoscopy by ensuring you first understand the procedure. Expect them to provide you with appropriate painkillers or sedatives to help you relax during the procedure.
Before going to your gastroenterologist for your colonoscopy, do make sure that you have an empty bowel. Your gastroenterologist will prescribe a medication that helps empty your bowel a few hours to a day before the procedure.
Keep hydrated with water during bowel preparation. Drinking and eating are prohibited four hours prior to the procedure.
The cleanliness of your colon directly impacts the success of the colonoscopy. Make sure your colon contains no waste from consumed food or liquids is important. The cleaner your colon is during a colonoscopy, the more precise the detection of polyps or other signs of colon cancer can be.
A clean colon enables the doctor to detect even the smallest polyps or early colon cancer signs, which can be treated more effectively when identified early.
After the procedure, you will be observed while you are recovering. You may experience passing gas in the hours after the procedure, but you should be able to return to your normal diet immediately.
Colonoscopy is usually a safe procedure. Studies have shown that the estimated overall risk of complications due to colonoscopy is low, about 0.1% to 1%. However, there are some minor risks associated with colonoscopy, including:
A very small percentage of people may experience some degree of abdominal cramping and discomfort after the process.
This is mostly because the doctor has had to use air to expand the intestines to get a clearer view. In other instances, where the doctor had to extract tissues for biopsy or remove polyps, some level of pain or mild discomfort can be experienced. However, most post-procedure pains are well managed by medications.
Yes, colonoscopy is a serious procedure. However, it is a very safe one. Doctors around the globe use it very frequently with successful outcomes.
It usually takes only a few hours to a day to recover after the process is complete. However, the patients will need to follow medical advice, like:
You will need to inform your doctor if you suffer from medical conditions like lung issues, allergies, heart conditions, blood clotting issues, pregnancy, diabetes, etc. Additionally, you may also want to tell your doctor about the medications that you are currently taking.
Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe you a few days’ course of antibiotics if you have conditions like:
After the process, you will need to stay in the recovery room for an hour or so for observation. Once the doctor feels it is safe, you may be discharged and asked to resume your normal diet.
However, the doctor may advise you to rest for a day or so and avoid doing heavy work. Additionally, your doctor may also ask you to avoid certain blood-thinning medications temporarily.
Yes, colonoscopies are done every day and are considered safe.
It could take a couple of days before your next bowel movement. This is because the colon has been completely emptied.
Your medical practitioner may ask you to avoid certain foods a few days before the procedure. It is usually suggested to drink good quantities of clear liquid like water, apple juice, and clear broths to prevent dehydration.
However, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything for at least four hours before the process.
Gleneagles Hospital provides standard colonoscopy and endoscopy.
A customised treatment plan is used to ensure that the needs of every patient are met. Your attending gastroenterologist will facilitate your care and guide you through the processes.
With advanced diagnostic tools, modern equipment, and tailored treatment plans, Gleneagles Hospitals aim for the best outcome, so you can recover from the procedure with fewer side effects.
If you experience unexplained diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, fever, constipation, or other symptoms of colon-related issues, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital.
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