Colonoscopy is a procedure in which your large bowel (colon and rectum) and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus
is examined.
Why is Colonoscopy done?
Your doctor may perform the procedure to diagnose and treat, when possible, certain diseases of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the rectum and colon.
A colonoscopy may be use to evaluate many problems, including:
Abdominal pain
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Blood in the stool
Change in bowel habits
Screen for colon cancer
Unexplained weight loss
It is often used to treat certain diseases.
Bleeding from diverticula or other lesions can be treated by injecting medicine around them or by applying heat to cauterize -- or seal -- them).
Polyps, some of which may be cancerous, can be removed using a lasso-like device through the colonoscope.
Narrowed areas or strictures can often be dilated using a balloon.
How Is a Colonoscopy Performed?
The colonoscopy procedure 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.
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.
What Happens After a Colonoscopy?
After you have a colonoscopy:
You will stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation.
You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this usually passes quickly.
You will need to have a responsible adult drive you home, as it is unsafe to drive or operate machinery for about 8 hours after the procedure (due to the sedative medication given).