Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

The colon, also known as the large bowel, can be directly observed in its lower segments using small metal or plastic tubes. However, to inspect the remainder of the bowel, alternative methods are necessary, typically a barium enema X-ray or colonoscopy.

What is a colonoscope?

A colonoscope is a slender, flexible fibre-optic "telescope" approximately one meter in length. Equipped with a potent light source, it offers the doctor a clear view of the colon. Additionally, the colonoscope can introduce air into or remove it from the colon as required.

What is the purpose of colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy facilitates a thorough examination of the bowel lining throughout the entire colon. It is employed to investigate issues such as bleeding, alterations in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and abnormalities detected by other procedures like barium enema, necessitating confirmation or biopsy. The procedure can identify inflammation, ulcers, polyps, diverticula, and tumors. When necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be obtained for diagnosis.

What occurs during the procedure?

The day before the colonoscopy, the patient is given a laxative to empty the bowel. Fasting for six hours before the procedure is mandatory. Typically performed as a day procedure, colonoscopy lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes. A sedative is administered intravenously to induce a relaxed and drowsy state during the examination. The individual lies on their side during the procedure.

The colonoscope is lubricated and gently inserted into the bowel through the rectum. To enhance visibility of the bowel lining, a small amount of air may be introduced, causing the patient to feel the urge to pass gas. However, this should be resisted until the examination is complete.

Many practitioners now prefer to display the colonoscopy images on a nearby TV screen rather than directly inspecting through the colonoscope. Patients may request to view the images. Occasionally, the doctor may need to obtain small tissue samples, which are painless. These samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis, with results typically available within a few days.

If larger tissue pieces, such as polyps, are removed, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours for observation for potential bleeding.

Following the procedure, patients are allowed to rest until the sedation effects dissipate before being discharged. Due to the sedation, patients are not permitted to drive and should be accompanied by another adult for 24 hours following the procedure.