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May 15, 2006
Who should have colonoscopy exam?
by SirGan|
Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the large intestine (colon) using a lighted, flexible fiber-optic or video endoscope. What's so good about this procedure? The procedure enables the physician to see details about every possible process on large intestine wall. This includes things such as
In last couple of years, it is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.
Info about colon or large intestineThe colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive tract, or gastrointestinal tract. The colon begins in the right-lower abdomen and looks like a big question mark as it moves up and around the abdomen, ending in the rectum. It is 5 to 6 feet long. The colon has a number of functions including withdrawing water from the liquid stool that enters it so that a formed stool is produced.
Equipment used in colonoscopyThe primary tool in colonoscopy is called colonoscope! This is one incredible and flexible piece of equipment that can be directed and moved around the many bends in the colon. There are two types of colonoscopes:
· The original purely fiber-optic instrument has a flexible bundle of glass fibers that collects the lighted image at one end and transfers the image to the eye piece.
· The newer video endoscopes use a tiny, optically sensitive computer chip at the end. Electronic signals are then transmitted up the scope to a computer which displays the image on a large video screen.
It is important to understand that these are all open channel in these scopes, which means that they are not only used to visualize the intestine but allows other instruments to be passed through in order to perform biopsies, remove polyps or inject solutions.
Indications for the colonoscopyThere are many types of problems that can occur in the colon that could be the indication for the colonoscopy.
Indications for colonoscopy are:
Preparations for the colonoscopyThe colon must be free of solid matter for the test to be performed properly. To prepare for the procedure you will have to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. The liquid diet should be clear and not contain food colorings, and may include
Then, on the day before the colonoscopy, the patient is given laxative preparations such as sodium picosulfate, sodium phosphate solution, or a solution of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes, and large quantities of fluid. Administration of sedative drugs at colonoscopy has drawbacks, including an increased rate of complications, higher cost, and longer recovery periods for patients.
Because this procedure will definitely disrupt the absorption in your large bowel, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have or medications you take on a regular basis such as
You will want to stay home the evening before the test because the preparation will make you use the bathroom frequently. Stop drinking clear liquids 6 to 8 hours before the colonoscopy.
The procedureAlthough, it can be done by other health professionals, the procedure is most often performed by a doctor who specializes in problems of the digestive system called gastroenterologist. Just before the procedure, patient may receive a pain medication and a sedative through an intravenous (IV) line in arm or hand. These medications reduce pain and will make you feel relaxed and drowsy during the test. Patient will lie on side with knees drawn up toward abdomen and first- the doctor will gently insert a gloved finger into your anus to check for tenderness or blockage. Then the thin, well-lubricated colonoscope is gently inserted and advanced while the intestinal lining of the colon is examined through the scope. Although, it is almost painless, it could be very unpleasant because patient may feel the urge to have a bowel movement while the scope is in colon.
The doctor may also insert tiny instruments such as loops through the colonoscope to collect tissue samples or remove growths. There is also an important therapeutic role of colonoscopy because it isn't only used to observe but to treat! The doctor can remove most abnormal growths in your colon, like a polyp, which is a growth in the lining of the bowel. Polyps are removed using tiny tools passed through the scope. Most polyps are not cancerous, but they could turn into cancer. Just looking at a polyp is not enough to tell if it is cancerous. The polyps are sent to a lab for testing. By identifying and removing polyps, a colonoscopy likely prevents most cancers from forming.
The colonoscope is then slowly withdrawn and the air is allowed to escape. After the scope is removed, your anal area will be cleaned with tissues. If you are having cramps, passing gas may help relieve them.
The test usually takes less then one hour, approximately 30 to 45 minutes, but it may take longer, depending upon what is found and what is done during the test.
After the procedureA recovery area is available to monitor vital signs until the patient is fully awake. It is normal to experience mild cramping or abdominal pressure following the exam. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may suggest an appointment at a later date. Patient must know that, if a biopsy has been performed or a polyp removed, the results of these are not available for three to seven days, so- prepare for waiting! Rarely, some people experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, dizziness, or weakness afterward.
Possible Complications of ColonoscopyEvery patient must realize that although colonoscopy is a safe procedure, complications can sometimes occur and he must be prepared for it. Most common complications include:
Results of colonoscopyIf the doctor has taken the tissue sample- these samples are usually sent to a pathology lab, where they are examined under a microscope for evidence of certain diseases.
Other samples of colon tissue may be sent to a microbiology lab to determine whether certain kinds of infection are present. Your doctor may be able to discuss some of the findings with you immediately after the procedure. Other results are usually available in 2 to 4 days.
Virtual colonoscopy- alternativeVirtual colonoscopy uses x rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen. It is considered to be an alternative to conventional colonoscopy!
It is much more comfortable than conventional colonoscopy because it does not use a colonoscope. As a result, no sedation is needed, and you can return to your usual activities or go home after the procedure.
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