Colonoscopy

Colon is another term used for the large intestine. Colonoscopy refers to a procedure in which your colon is visualized extensively. It is a primary diagnostic procedure for a number of disease processes and assesses prognosis (outcomes). A colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist, a doctor trained in the gastrointestinal specialty.

A colonoscopy is a very useful procedure, as it can provide precise and accurate results. It has multiple uses, like screening for abnormalities in the colon, diagnosing diseases like IBD, polyps, or colorectal cancer, and taking tissue samples (biopsies) for further testing. It can also be used as a therapeutic procedure, e.g., for the removal of polyps.

A colonoscopy is a relatively safe procedure with minimal to no risks. Very rarely, bleeding or hemorrhage while taking biopsies or excising polyps can occur. However, the most common side effects of colonoscopy are the side effects of anesthesia given prior to a colonoscopy exam.

How Do You Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

There are several important preparations you should make before a colonoscopy. Firstly, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your doctor. You should make sure to tell your doctor about all your past medical history, including any drugs you take and allergies you have to any drugs or substances.

Generally, you will be instructed to discontinue medicines like blood thinner (warfarin, heparin) a week before the procedure. More specifically for a colonoscopy, your colon needs to be empty. Any residual matter in the colon can give false results during the exam. To ensure this, you’ll have to empty your colon, which might be, for most people, the most tiring part of preparation. You will need to use an enema or some other stool softener in order to clear your system of any feces.

Make sure you don't eat any solid foods after midnight before your test day. Also, do not consume anything 8 – 10 hours before your exam.

Colonoscopy is usually done in a hospital, an outpatient surgery setting, or a specialized clinic.

What Should You Expect During a Colonoscopy?

After you have changed into a hospital gown, you’ll be given an anesthetic drug that makes sure you don’t have any pain or discomfort. The anesthetic usually used won’t make you completely unconscious, but will prevent discomfort, and you will likely not have any memories of the procedure afterward.

Colonoscopy is performed using a colonoscope, which is a long, thin, and flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. This end is inserted into the rectum for visualizing.

The doctor will start the procedure by doing a digital rectal exam by using their gloved and lubricated fingers. Following that, the colonoscope will be passed into the rectum gently, and the doctor will visualize the colon on a screen. You may feel like you’re having a bowel movement during the passage of the colonoscope. Pictures and videos are usually taken to keep a record and check for anomalies.

The procedure can take about 30 – 60 minutes to complete. After the colonoscopy is done, you’ll be monitored for a few hours to ensure that you have no drug side effects and that your overall health is good.

What Can You Expect After Your Colonoscopy?

Most people feel moderate drowsiness after their colonoscopy. Occasionally, some mild effects like stomachache, nausea, or gas bloating may be seen. These effects should wear off within 24 hours. You’ll be able to eat and drink as soon as you get home. Make sure to bring someone along, as you might be too drowsy to drive safely.

The results of the colonoscopy will be told by your doctor right away. If a biopsy is taken, the lab may take about a week or two to give the results back.

Possible Complications

While colonoscopy is a safe procedure, it may cause some rare complications. These complications include colonic perforation, puncture of the colon wall, scarring of the colon, and hemorrhage. Hemorrhage or bleeding usually occurs when a polyp is removed. You should keep in mind that these complications are very rare, and the benefits of colonoscopy outweigh these risks.

If you or anyone you know needs to get a safely performed colonoscopy by an experienced gastroenterologist within the Jamaica Plains area, call us today at (718) 291-0488 or book your appointment.