Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test to check for abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and recta, such as swollen, inflamed tissues, polyps, or cancer.
A colonoscope is a long, flexible tube inserted into the rectum during a colonoscopy. The doctor can see the whole interior of the colon thanks to a tiny video camera at the tube’s tip.
Why is a colonoscopy done?
Your physician might advise having a colonoscopy for:
Examine any intestinal symptoms: Your doctor can investigate potential reasons for abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, and other digestive issues with the aid of a colonoscopy.
Detect colon cancer: Your doctor could advise a colonoscopy every ten years if you are over 45 and have an average risk of colon cancer and no other risk factors. One of the few choices for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy.
Identify more polyps: Your doctor might advise a subsequent colonoscopy to check for and remove any additional polyps if you’ve previously had polyps. This lowers your risk of developing colon cancer.
Treat a problem: A colonoscopy may occasionally be performed for therapeutic reasons, such as inserting a stent or removing an object from your colon.
Preparations before undertaking colonoscopy test
You’ll need to empty the colon before a colonoscopy. It could be challenging to see your colon and rectum clearly during the test if there is any residue in your colon.
Your medical professional might advise you to:
- The day before the test, adhere to a special diet. Usually, you won’t be allowed to eat solid meals. Drinks may only be clear liquids, such as carbonated beverages, plain water, tea, and coffee without milk or cream. The night before the test, you might not be allowed to consume any food or liquids after midnight.
- Ingest a laxative. Your doctor would advise taking a laxative on prescription, typically in ample doses of liquid or pill form. The doctor often tells you to take the laxative the night before your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy procedure
Sedation or anesthesia is usually advised. Colonoscope is inserted into the rectum . The colonoscope holds a tiny video camera at its tip. This camera sends images so the doctor can study the inside of the colon. A colonoscopy typically takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will examine the colonoscopy results and disseminate them to you.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022