What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor examines the inside of the colon and rectum using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope that has a camera and light. It can be used to screen for colon cancer or investigate the causes of symptoms like abdominal pain or rectal bleeding. During the procedure, the doctor can take tissue samples or remove polyps. It is generally recommended that people at average risk for colon cancer begin getting screened at age 50.
What is a Colon?
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is part of the digestive system in the human body. It is a muscular tube-like organ that is approximately five feet long and connects the small intestine to the rectum.
The main function of the colon is to absorb water and electrolytes from the remaining undigested food that has passed through the small intestine. The colon also plays a crucial role in eliminating waste and toxins from the body by storing and eventually expelling fecal matter through the rectum and anus.
The colon can be divided into different parts, including the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Each section has a different shape and function, but they all work together to facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients, as well as the elimination of waste.
How is it done?
Before the procedure:
- The patient will need to follow specific dietary restrictions for a few days before the procedure, such as avoiding high-fiber foods and nuts.
- The patient may need to take laxatives or other medications to cleanse the colon of any stool or debris. This may involve drinking a special solution or taking oral pills.
- The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
- The patient may receive sedatives or other medications to help them relax and be more comfortable during the procedure.
During the procedure:
- The patient will lie on their side and be given sedatives to help them relax.
- The doctor will insert a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum and guide it through the colon.
- The colonoscope has a small camera and light at the end, which allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon on a video screen.
- The doctor will carefully examine the inside of the colon for any abnormalities, such as polyps or tumors.
- If any abnormalities are found, the doctor may take a tissue sample (biopsy) or remove the polyp for further testing.
After the procedure:
- The patient will be monitored for a short time to ensure that the sedative has worn off and that there are no complications.
- The patient may experience some cramping, bloating, or gas after the procedure, but this typically goes away quickly.
- The patient will need someone to drive them home, as the sedatives may impair their driving ability.
- The patient may need to avoid certain activities or follow specific dietary restrictions for a short time after the procedure, as directed by the doctor.
- The doctor will review the results of the colonoscopy with the patient and recommend any necessary follow-up.
Do I need any preparation?
Yes, preparation is an essential part of a colonoscopy and is important to ensure the best possible results. The preparation typically involves cleaning out the colon so that the doctor can have a clear view of the colon lining during the procedure.
The preparation usually involves the following steps:
- Several days before the procedure, you may need to modify your diet to eat only low-fiber foods.
- You will need to avoid solid foods for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
- You will need to take a bowel preparation medication, which comes in the form of a liquid solution or pills, to help empty your colon completely. The medication will cause you to have multiple bowel movements, so it’s important to be near a bathroom during this time.
- You will need to fast for a specific period of time before the procedure, typically 6 to 8 hours.
It’s important to follow the instructions for the preparation closely and to let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications that may affect the preparation or the procedure itself.
If you have any concerns about the preparation or the procedure, be sure to discuss them with your doctor before the scheduled date.
Are there any risk factors during the Colonoscopy process?
Colonoscopy is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications that can occur, although they are rare. Some possible risk factors during the colonoscopy process include:
- Bleeding: Biopsy or polyp removal may cause bleeding, which is usually minor and stops on its own, but in rare cases, it may require additional treatment.
- Perforation: In rare cases, the colonoscope can create a small hole or tear in the colon, which may require surgery to repair.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection from the procedure, especially if a biopsy or polyp removal is performed.
- Adverse reaction to sedatives: Sedatives used during the procedure may cause side effects or allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or low blood pressure, although these are also rare.
It’s important to discuss any potential risks or concerns with your doctor before the procedure, and to follow all instructions for preparation and post-procedure care to minimize the risk of complications. If you experience any unexpected symptoms after the procedure, such as severe pain, fever, or rectal bleeding, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What is a CT Scan Colonoscopy?
A CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) technology to produce images of the colon and rectum. It is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy.
During a CT colonography, the patient lies on a table and a small tube is inserted into the rectum to inflate the colon with air or carbon dioxide. The patient is then moved through a CT scanner, which takes multiple images of the colon and rectum. The images are processed by a computer to create a three-dimensional image of the colon and rectum, which can be examined for polyps or other abnormalities.
CT colonography is non-invasive, and no sedation is needed. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, which requires a scope to be inserted into the colon, CT colonography only involves a small tube being inserted into the rectum. However, a CT colonography may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a history of colon cancer.
If any polyps or other abnormalities are found during a CT colonography, a traditional colonoscopy may be needed to remove or biopsy them.