Colonoscopy Explained
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which your large bowel (colon and rectum) is examined. The doctor performs the procedure to diagnose and treat, when possible some diseases of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the rectum and colon.
A colonoscopy can be used to evaluate many problems, including:
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Blood in the stools
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Abdominal pain
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Changes in normal bowel habits
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Unexplained weight loss
Many men baulk at the thought of having a colonoscope from the stigma of having anything inserted into the rectum when in fact after sedation the procedure is completely painless with only some mild discomfort in only a few cases. More discomfort is felt in the preparation prior to the procedure as is explained as follows.
There may be some or fluid restrictions before your colonoscopy, but this will vary according to your doctor’s instructions. You may be asked to limit or eliminate solid foods for a few days before the test. You will also be asked to take laxatives by mouth to clean out the colon.
Along with the dietary changes, your bowel must be further cleansed in order for colonoscopy to be successful. You will usually receive 1 or 2 enemas or a strong laxative depending on the specialist’s preference before the procedure.
Make sure you arrange for a driver to bring you home after a colonoscopy. Because you receive sedating medication during the procedure, it is unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery for about 8 hours after the procedure.
The colonoscopy is performed by an experienced doctor and lasts approximately 30-60 minutes. You will receive medication to make you feel relaxed. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the examining table. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible, tubular instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter that transmits an image of the lining of the colon so the doctor can examine it for any abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine.
How Is a Colonoscopy Performed?
The scope bends, so the doctor can move it around the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the doctor move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which expands the colon and helps the doctor to see.
You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. You can reduce the cramping by taking several slow, deep breaths during the procedure. When the doctor has finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is carefully examined.
During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy) and abnormal growths, or polyps, can be identified and removed. In many cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.
Phyathai Sriracha Hospital Gastrointestinal provides both colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures by GI specialist. For more information please contact Phyathai Sriracha Hospital on international direct line no: 087- 1000990 Email: [email protected] www.phyathai-sriracha.com
