Colonoscopy is the examination of the colon (or large intestine) by the insertion of a flexible light tipped tube (colonoscope) into the rectum and hence into the colon which allows for direct visualization of the lining of the colon.
Colonoscopy is used to diagnose cancer, polyps, inflammation (for example, colitis), and causes of bleeding, abnormal or questionable x-rays. If the doctor sees a suspicious area or needs to evaluate an area of inflammation in greater detail, he can pass an instrument through the colonoscope and take a sample of tissue (a biopsy) for examination in the laboratory. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily mean that cancer is suspected.
During the course of the examination a polyp may be found. Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue, which vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. Polyps require biopsy and removal with a very small instrument through the colonoscope and are sent to a lab for analysis. Biopsy results take 5-7 days. You will be notified of the results. You should feel no pain during the removal of the polyp. Polyps are usually removed because they can cause rectal bleeding or contain cancer. Although the majority of polyps are benign (noncancerous), a small percentage may contain an area of cancer in them or may develop into cancer. Removal of colon polyps, therefore, is an important means of prevention and cure of colon cancer, which is a leading form of cancer in the United States.
Colonoscopy may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. You should allow yourself 2 to 3 hours total time at the Regional Surgicenter. Preparation for the procedure by the nursing staff will take approximately a half hour. This takes place in the pre/post procedure area. You will be given a gown to wear and an IV will be started. We recommend that you wear loose fitting clothes the day of your procedure. You are discouraged from bringing valuables with you.
You will be transported by cart to the procedure room. You will be positioned on your left side with your knees drawn up. Intravenous sedation will be given. Sedation medications are provided for your comfort and relaxation during the procedure. When the procedure is completed, you will rest until the sedation wears off. Your pulse and blood pressure will be monitored during and after the colonoscopy. You may feel some pressure and fullness in the abdomen after the procedure because of air that was introduced to examine your colon, but it passes easily in a short time.
Your doctor will tell you the results of your colonoscopy and findings are usually available when sedation wears off. Biopsy results take several days. You will be given a set of instructions before you leave.
Colonoscopy and polypectomy are safe and associated with very low risks when performed by a physician who has been specially trained and is experienced in these endoscopic procedures. But there is some risk to everything we do from stepping out of the bathtub to driving to the doctor’s office. Specifically, there is a very slight chance of having an allergic reaction or other reaction to the medication used during the procedure. Another complication, which occurs in about 2% of procedures, is perforation of the lining of the colon or a tear through the wall of the bowel, which may allow leakage of intestinal fluid. This complication may require surgery but is usually managed with antibiotics and fluids and IV fluids in most cases. Bleeding may also occur from the site of the biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minor and stops on its own or can be controlled through cauterization through the colonoscope. Rarely, transfusions or surgery may be required. We would not be suggesting this procedure to you if we felt its risks were greater than the risks of not getting the desired information about your colon or carrying out the necessary treatment through the colonoscope. Every possible precaution will be taken to minimize the possibility of any complication of the examination.
· Water
· Tea or coffee with sugar, but without milk or cream
· Plain chicken broth or beef broth or bouillon
· Clear fruit juices (may include red); apple, cranberry, grape, powdered lemonade, kool-aid, and soda pop, including cola drinks
· Popsicles (any color)
5. Throughout the preparation period you may continue all of your usual medications except medicines containing iron. These should be stopped one week before the examination.