Overview
During certain occasions, while visiting the doctor, the doctor cannot exactly determine the cause of persistent conditions such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, persistent constipation etc, then a colonoscopy is recommended. It provides proper and accurate diagnosis following which treatment can be undergone and in most cases, it prevents the need of a surgery for the treatment of aforementioned illnesses.
Some of the diseases that require this colonoscopy test are:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn's disease
- Colorectal cancer
What happens during a colonoscopy test?
The colonoscopy procedure usually takes less than an hour. During a colonoscopy procedure, the doctor uses a scope which is a long, thin, tubular flexible instrument ; this instrument is inserted through the rectum to see the conditions that are causing discomfort in the intestine. The colonoscope, bends through the walls of the colon and also blows air in it thus expanding it and making it easier for the doctor to see. Usually the patient is awake ( though sedation may be provided) and the doctor may ask him to shift is position sometimes. The patient may feel mild pain during the procedure. Also, in some cases, the doctor may take a small size of sample from your colon (using the colonoscope) for further tests known as biopsy.
Need Help With Anything?
Our Patient Care Team would guide you.
How to prepare for a colonoscopy?
The most important thing that you should let your doctor know before a colonoscopy is about any of the health conditions such as : heart problems, health issues related to lungs, diabetes ,pregnancy or any allergies to medications. Some patients having such issues need to consume antibiotics prior to the procedure.
Usually, the doctor asks to switch to liquid diet or control the solid diet before few days from the colonoscopy test. The patient may be also advised to consume laxatives. All these diet changes are done so that your bowel nust be cleaned before the colonoscopy test. Two enemas are given to the patient before the procedure in order to ensure that the rectum and lower intestine are completely empty so that the intestinal walls are clearly visible.
After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for less than 30 minutes and he may feel abdominal cramps or feel bloated which soon passes away and then the normal diet can be resumed. If a sample was taken for biopsy, and in that case the patient suffers from rectal bleeding, severe pain or fevers, the doctor should be consulted right away.
Colonoscopy guidelines: When and how often do you need a colonoscopy rest?
Colonoscopy is the most accurate test for the determination of a colon cancer and if detected in early stages, a life can be saved. Most people above age 50 need to undergo this test if found at risk of cancer, because colorectal cancer develops gradually. Others who are at low risk may need a test every 10 years.
Colonoscopy surgery
Technically, colonoscopy is not a surgical procedure. It is a test to determine if there is any abnormal growth or formation of cancerous cells. However, if such a condition is detected during the test, the doctor may provide anesthesia to the patient and remove the harm causing cells.