COLONOSCOPY

 

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that visually examines the entire colon with a videoscope. The inside of the colon is then examined for any abnormalities that may exist. During this procedure, polyps may be safely removed.

 

WHAT’S A POLYP?

A polyp is extra tissue that grows inside your body. Colon polyps grow in the large intestine. The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of your digestive system. It’s a long, hollow tube at the end of your digestive tract where your body makes and stores stool.

 

Most polyps are not dangerous. Most are benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, some types of polyps can turn into colon cancer. Usually, polyps that are smaller than a pea aren’t harmful. But larger polyps could become cancer or may already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove all polyps and test them.

 

WHY DO I NEED A COLONOSCOPY?

This procedure is commonly performed for evaluation of abnormal radiographic studies, removal of polyps, assessment of bleeding, and screening for colon cancer.

 

Colonoscopy screening is considered to be the “gold standard,” or the most effective colorectal cancer screening test. A long, flexible tube with a tiny camera is used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum, to find and remove polyps or cancer. This test is usually done every 10 years. You should have a colonoscopy screening for colon cancer if you are over the age of 45. For those with a family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, or polyps screening should begin at age 40.

 

Colonoscopy is also indicated for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, GI hemorrhage, polyp removal, screening for colon cancer, and evaluation of abnormal x-rays of the GI tract.

 

An alternative exam to assess the colon is the barium enema. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREPARATION

An oral laxative solution is given the day before the procedure. This will cleanse the waste from the colon. It is important that the preparation be followed completely. This procedure examines the inside of the colon. Thus, if feces are retained, or the preparation is inadequate, areas of the colon that may be of importance to your health may be missed or misinterpreted. Usually, the preparations given for these are excellent. If you have specific difficulties with laxatives or the preparations, please inform your physician beforehand so that alternatives can be addressed.

 

Please make sure that your physician knows well beforehand if you are taking any blood thinners. Specific instructions regarding the preparation are available in the section regarding preparations for procedures.

 

RISKS OF THE PROCEDURE

Colonoscopy is a safe and highly effective technique. In experienced hands, this procedure has the following risks:

• Bleeding

• Allergic reaction to a medication

• Perforation of the Colon

 

Bleeding can occur up to 10 days after the procedure if polyps are removed. The chance of bleeding will increase depending upon the number, location, and size of polyps (if any) that are removed. Some patients have bleeding from hemorrhoids after the procedure. If any significant or persistent bleeding occurs notify the doctor immediately.

 

An allergic reaction to a medication rarely can occur. This is usually identified early, since blood pressure, heart rate; oxygen saturation, and general clinical condition are monitored during the entire procedure.

 

Perforation of the colon is a rare complication that occurs when a hole is put through the colon. This can be associated with the removal of polyps or simply passing the endoscope through the colon. This will usually result in a patient being treated in the operating room. Overall, colonoscopy is a well-tolerated procedure that has many benefits and few complications when done for appropriate reasons by an experienced gastroenterologist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROCEDURE

In general, this procedure takes on average 15-30 minutes to perform. The procedure may take longer depending upon the intervention that may be required for any individual patient.

 

During the procedure, a video endoscope will be inserted into the anus. The scope will then be advanced through the inside of the colon to the cecum (the last part of the colon). Inspection, removal of polyps, etc. usually occur during withdrawal of the endoscope.

 

Patients undergoing this procedure receive an intravenous anesthetic (Propofol). The exact dose and frequency is individualized for each patient. In most cases, patients do not remember their procedure or are adequately sedated such that the discomfort is well tolerated.

 

During the procedure, the nurse assisting your physician with the procedure will continuously monitor your heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. Thus, should any difficulties occur, your physician and his team will be aware of the change quickly.

 

RECOVERY

After the procedure, the physician will discuss the results with the family and/or the patient. In many cases, the patient will not recall having talked with their physician. This is a natural, and understandable, event since some medications used during the procedure will induce temporary amnesia.

 

After the procedure, patients are returned to a recovery area where they are monitored during their stay for 30 – 60 minutes. When the patient is stable, he or she will be discharged.

 

Patients must have someone to drive him or her home after conscious sedation (analgesics) has been administered.

 

Most patients will be lethargic and forgetful during the afternoon after the procedure. During this period of time, someone should be available to check in with the patient to ensure their safety. No driving, complicated or important decisions, or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the day of the procedure. By the next morning, most patients are able to continue with their daily activities.

 

To assist our patients, a written explanation of the procedure and its findings, in lay terms, will be given to the patient. Recommendations will be made regarding any further testing, treatments, or office visits. A copy of the endoscopic record is sent to all our referring physicians. Thus, your primary care physician will be aware of your procedure, the results, and your gastroenterologist’s recommendations.