Colonoscopy, which involves three processes, is a test used to examine colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon tumors, polyps, ulcers and sites of bleeding and inflammation. A colonoscopy also may be used to check for the causes of unexplained weight loss and sudden changes in bowel habits. Patients should make sure they follow doctors' instructions in order for a colonoscopy to be successful.
Preparation
According to The National institutes of Health, in order for a colonoscopy to be successful, the colon must be clean and free from fecal matter. Doctors place patients on a clear liquid diet the day before a colonoscopy. Patients also are asked not to take mediations such as aspirin or iron supplements.
Doctors prescribe medications known as colon preps to clean the colon. Doctors also may prescribe stimulant laxatives, stool softeners or enemas the night before a colonoscopy to aid in the removal of stool from the colon. Bowel preps clean the colon by causing frequent watery diarrhea, so patients should plan to stay close to a toilet to avoid embarrassment.
Testing
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, colonoscopies usually are performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. Patients are asked to lie on an examination table on their left side with their knees drawn toward their chest. Light sedative medication and pain killers are administered intravenously to decrease pain sensation and cause sleepiness. A gastroenterologist inserts a flexible fiberoptic scope into the anus and slowly pushes it into the anus. The scope contains a tube that blows carbon dioxide gas into the colon to inflate it for clearer viewing. The scope also has a camera that sends images of the colon to a computer screen. If the doctor finds polyps, she removes them through a procedure known as polypectomy. The doctor stops bleeding in the colon by inserting special medication to stop bleeding or using heat treatment to cauterize bleeding vessels. The doctor also removes samples of tissue from the wall of the colon for further testing of colon abnormalities.
Recovery
In a recovery area, nurses monitor patients' vital signs for about two hours after colonoscopy. Doctors observe patients until they are fully awake and stable. Light foods and drinks are offered to patients. A doctor may discuss the results of the colonoscopy with a patient or schedule an appointment in order to discuss the results. Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home or operate machinery within 24 hours after a colonoscopy. Patients are advised to report side effects of colonoscopy to the doctor. Adverse side effects of colonoscopy include bleeding, fever, shaking chills, severe abdominal pain, a stiff abdomen and confusion.
