In a Colonoscopy treatment, an endoscope is inserted through the anus to observe the large intestine (colon and rectum) and part of the small intestine, and polyps, cancer, and inflammation that occur in these areas are diagnosed. A part of the tissue is taken (biopsy), and polyps and early colorectal cancer are examined endoscopically by polypectomy (polypectomy), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic submucosal layer and can also be excised by ablation (ESD).
It is a very important test for both detection and prevention of colorectal cancer and should be done once after the age of 40. After cleaning the large intestine with a laxative, an endoscope with a thickness of 10 to 13 mm is inserted through the anus to directly observe the entire large intestine for polyps, tumors, inflammation, and other abnormalities. The inspection time varies depending on the purpose of the inspection and the number and size of polyps found. It is about 10 to 30 minutes.
A colonoscopy procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes. However, patients should set aside time for the preparation of the procedure and recovery. Prior to the procedure, the patient will get a sedative. The patient will normally wear a hospital gown and lie on their left side on a patient examination table during the procedure. Then, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum.
Once the doctor has finished the examination, the patient will stay in a special recovery room until the sedative effect ends.It is necessary to take the rest of the day off after the Colonoscopy procedure. It is unhealthy to drive or work after a colonoscopy.
Cleansing the bowel is a crucial and necessary step for a high-quality colonoscopy. Your doctor will give specific instructions on how to do this.
They may recommend:
Patients who are on medications or supplements should discuss these with their doctor. The doctor may advise them to stop taking certain medications for some time or to change the dose.
It is better to make the doctor aware of medications that:
A colonoscopy allows the doctor to investigate lower gastrointestinal symptoms of patients, such as:
The Gastrointestinal community also considers colonoscopy the gold standard for screening and diagnosis for colorectal cancer.
A colonoscopy can diagnose early-stage colorectal cancer before symptoms of cancer develop. It also allows doctors to remove polyps, which are precursors to cancer. Early detection can enhance treatment outcomes.
A doctor may recommend a colonoscopy for those who:
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy describes possible complications that may occur in approximately 2.8 out of every 1,000 procedures (0.28%) in people at average risk.
The risks linked with a colonoscopy may increase if a biopsy or abnormal tissue removal occurs, including bleeding and tears in the lining of the colon or rectum (perforation).
Sedation also carries risks, including:
A colonoscopy is not usually painful because patients have the procedure under sedation, making them very sleepy, forgetful, and relaxed. However, due to the expected side effects of sedation, a person should not drive home, as they would not be alert enough to drive safely.
After the Colonoscopy, patients may suffer mild discomfort for up to 24 hours. After that, they may experience mild abdominal cramping, gas pains, and bloating.
In addition to moderate discomfort, bleeding may occur if the doctor takes a biopsy or removes abnormal tissue.
Patients of any age can undergo a colonoscopy. Adults with ages ranging from45–85 undergo colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, at least once every 10 years.
The colonoscopy treatment site becomes an ulcer, and bleeding may occur for about a week. The frequency is about 1% (about 1 in 100). Post-treatment bleeding is not enough to get blood on the stool, but the toilet bowl turns red with blood.
If bleeding continues, you will need to stop bleeding with an endoscope.
Our center uses injections of sedatives and analgesics to relieve anxiety and tension during examinations. Disadvantages of sedatives and analgesics include drowsiness and poor judgment on test day. If you are elderly, please be accompanied by your family. The amount of sedatives/analgesics used may be reduced or discontinued at the doctor’s discretion.
Most of the cases of colonoscopy (colonoscope) pain occur in the sigmoid and transverse colons.
The reason is that the sigmoid colon and the transverse colon are not fixed and are bent in a squishy state. The place and shape are constantly changing. If you proceed, unnecessary pressure will be applied to the intestinal tract, and pain will occur.
To avoid pain, it is necessary to advance the scope while straightening the meandering intestine.
It may be found in patients with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis / Crohn’s disease). Still, intestinal hypersensitivity is higher than in normal patients, and it is easier to feel pain.
Persons with a history of abdominal surgery (adhesion) such as cesarean section and gastric surgery