Colonoscopy, diagnostic

Procedure Information

What is Diagnostic Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a test used to diagnose diseases of the large intestine and the rectum. In a colonoscopy, a physician inserts a flexible tube, also known as the colonoscope, into the rectum with a tiny camera on its tip. This allows the physician to detect diseases in the large intestine and the rectum. 

Colonoscopy is useful in diagnosing many conditions like the presence of abnormal tissue like polyps, cancer, and ulcerative diseases. This test is also used to aid in the diagnosis of many gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and bleeding.

Why would I get this?

A colonoscopy exam is useful in the following:

• Detecting polyps.
• Understanding the reason behind intestinal symptoms like diarrhea and constipation.
• Helping in the detection of cancer and taking biopsies.

The medical community suggests that anyone who does not have risk factors for colorectal cancer should get a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50. The American Cancer Society recommends that the screening starts at age 45.

You may need to have a colonoscopy at a younger age if you have risk factors for colon cancer. These risk factors can include:

• If you have relatives with colon cancer.
• If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• If you have familial polyposis syndrome.

What happens during Colonoscopy?

The procedure usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes. You will most likely be given a sedative along with intravenous pain medication to decrease any discomfort or pain. You will start the exam by lying on your side with your knees drawn toward your chest.

The colonoscope will be inserted and the doctor will start pumping air into the colon. This helps in providing a better view of your colon to detect any abnormalities.

There is a tiny video camera at the tip of the colonoscope that sends images to an external monitor. The doctor can insert instruments through the coloscope to take samples or remove abnormal tissue like polyps.

What to expect after Colonoscopy?

You may feel bloated or may pass gas for a few hours after the exam. Walking may help relieve discomfort. It usually takes a few days before you can have a bowel movement. 

It usually takes an hour to begin to recover from the sedative you were given before the exam. It may take up to one day for the sedative to completely wear off. Consequently, you will need someone to take you home.

If the doctor removed any polyps or took any biopsies, you may notice bleeding for one to two days. This is normal and shouldn’t make you concerned.

Conclusion

Your physician will tell you if any polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken. You will also get a formal report either mailed to you or sent to you that explains everything in detail. The doctor will let you know if any follow-up is needed based on your results. A Gastroenterologist is a doctor that performs colonoscopies and is recommended to follow up with. 

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Colonoscopy

Cleveland Clinic: Colonoscopy