Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the colon using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic tube called a colonoscope. Colonoscopy checks for abnormalities such as colon cancer, cancerous polyps, ulceration and inflammation of colon tissue. Colonoscopy also assess for the causes of abdominal pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding. An uncomplicated colonoscopy lasts for 15 to 30 minutes
Cleansing of the Colon
According to Gihealth.com, cleaning of the colon is an important first step before a colonoscopy. Bowel cleansing enables the doctor to view the lining of the colon without obstruction from stool. Patients are prescribed colon preps, laxatives and enemas so as to flush out stool from the colon. Patients are also placed on a clear liquid diet, and eating solid food is restricted during the day of the colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy Test
According to the University of Michigan Health System, patients are lightly sedated using drugs such as Versed, Propofol, Demerol and Fentanyl. The doctor then lubricates the colonoscope and inserts it in the anus. The colonoscope contains an instrument that blows air into the colon so as to inflate it. The colonoscope also contains a camera that transmits images of the colon that your doctor can view, enlarged, on a computer screen. Abnormalities such as colon polyps are usually removed using a technique known as polypectomy. The doctor may also take a sample of colon tissue for further examination.
Recovery
After a colonoscopy, patients are usually monitored for two to four hours until vitals are stable and patients are fully awake. Patients may experience abdominal cramping caused by the excess gas that is blown into the colon during colonoscopy. Once patients are fully awake, they are offered drinks and light foods. The doctor or nurses may discuss the results of the colonoscopy or may schedule an appointment to discuss the results later. At the time of discharge, patients are given a document containing discharge instructions. Patients are not allowed to drive or operate machinery for the first 24 hours after a colonoscopy, which allows the sedative time to wear off. Patients are also not allowed to drink alcohol. Patients who had biopsy or polypectomy during colonoscopy may have some blood in their stool. Patients should watch for signs of colonoscopy complications, such as bleeding, infection and perforation.
