Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an exam to to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum

The benefits of colonoscopy are

1. Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems.
2. Screen for colon cancer. If you're age 50 or older and at average risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age — your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years or sometimes sooner to screen for colon cancer. Colonoscopy is one option for colon cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about your options.
3. Look for polyps. If you have had polyps before, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to look for and remove any additional polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cance

The procedure is performed for various purposes such as: 

1. Screening for colorectal cancer 
2.  Identifying polyps 
3.  Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 
4. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal haemorrhage 
5.  Identifying cause for  
6. Variation in bowel habits 
7. Abdominal pain 
8. Rectal bleeding  
9. Constipation 
10. Diarrhoea  
11. Sudden weight loss 

Procedural Description

1. A wide, flexible tube (colonoscope) is placed into the rectum during a colonoscopy.
2. The doctor can see the inside of the colon thanks to a tiny video camera at the tube's tip. 
3. The scope enables the doctor to view the whole length of your colon. 
4.  Your doctor may extract tissue specimens for analysis or eliminate diseased tissue like polyps during a colonoscopy. 
5. The procedure involves sedation by anaesthesia and takes about 30-60 minutes varying upon your case. 
6. Colonoscopy ensures precise diagnosis and therapy in many cases without the requirement for a major procedure. 

What to expect before the surgery

1. You must inform your doctor about the following:  
2. If you’re expecting  
3.  If you have any other disease- diabetes mellitus, lung disease, heart disease  
4. If you’re allergic to any medication  
5. If you are on any regular medications, your doctor might adjust them accordingly.  
6. Your doctor will suggest you a clear liquid diet or overnight fasting.  
7. Your doctor might ask you to have a laxative either in a pill or liquid form. 
8. Your doctor will verify if you have any allergies to anaesthesia. 
9. Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics if: 
10. ● You have an artificial heart valve 
11. ● You have been given antibiotics in your past dental or surgical procedures. 

What to expect on the day of Surgery?

1. To ensure a safe and successful procedure:  
2.  The healthcare team will ensure that your colon is empty or else it might create an obstruction.  
3.  An enema kit that aids in the emptying of the colon will be provided to you approximately two hours before the procedure. 
4. An anaesthetist will review your anaesthesia 

What to expect during the surgery?

1. The doctor will ask you to lie down usually with your knees drawn up towards your chest, and will perform the following steps: 
2. A colonoscope is inserted into your rectum 
3. The colon is expanded with a little supply of air so the doctor can observe the colon walls 
4.  The device contains a tiny camera at the tip that sends images to an external monitor for analysis. 
5. In case you feel cramping during the procedure, your doctor will advise you to take slow, deep breaths. 
6.  During a 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. 
7.  As the lining of your gut is thoroughly checked, the colonoscope is progressively withdrawn.

What to expect after the surgery?

1. You will be kept under observation for a while. 
2. You can be discharged after the effect of anaesthesia fades away 
3. If any polyp was removed during the procedure, a special diet might be recommended. 
4. You might feel cramping or gas, although it should pass quickly. 
5. Your doctor will advise you to walk a little for relief. 
6. Although rare, a few of the complications associated with the procedure are:  
7. Severe bleeding for more than 2 weeks  
8. Colon perforation 
9. Reaction to anaesthesia 

First follow up appointment

1. A little bloating or gas problem is normal after the procedure; however, you should contact your doctor if the problem persists for a longer period. 
2. Other indications that should not be ignored after the procedure are: 
3. Excessive abdominal pain 
4. Persistent blood in stool 
5. High fever 
6. Severe discomfort 

You must consult your doctor if you have:  

1. Unexplained bowel movements
2. Bleeding  
3. Diarrhoea