A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal test that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of your colon. A thin flexible tube known as a colonoscope is used. According to Emedtv.com, a colonoscopy helps find colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon polyps, abnormal pouches and areas of bleeding and inflammation. Colon abnormalities are removed or treated during colonoscopy. Some patients may require surgery and medications in order to treat colon abnormalities.
Preparation for a Colonoscopy
According to the National Institutes of Health, in order for the gastroenterologist to be able to view the lining of the colon, your colon must be free from fecal matter. If you are undergoing a colonoscopy, you will usually be put on a liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy. The doctor also prescribes medications known as colon preps so as to flush fecal matter out of your colon. The drugs remove stool from the colon by causing frequent loose stool.
Colonoscopy Procedure
According to Emedtv.com, during colonoscopy, patients lie on the left side on the examination table. Anesthetics are then administered through the intravenous route so as to cause sleepiness and decreased pain sensation. The colonoscope is inserted into the anus and advanced into the colon. Carbon dioxide gas is blown into the colon in order to inflate it for better viewing. The doctor checks for abnormalities on the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. Patients are transferred to a recovery area once the colonoscopy procedure is finished.
Abnormal Colonoscopy
According to the National Institutes of Health, during colonoscopy the doctor may find colon abnormalities such as tumors on the wall of the colon and rectum, polyps, ulcers, inflammation and abnormal pouches. Colon polyps are abnormal lesions found on the wall of the colon. Over time, these lesions may develop into colon cancer. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as crohn's diseases and ulcerative colitis may have areas of colon ulceration and inflammation. The doctor may also find abnormal pouches on the wall of the colon called diverticuli during colonoscopy.
Treatment of Colon Abnormalities
During colonoscopy, if the doctor finds bleeding in your colon, he passes heat through the colonoscope so as to cauterize the bleeding vessels. The doctor also injects special medication through the scope to stop bleeding. Patients with colon cancer require surgery to remove tumors. Colon polyps are easily removed during colonoscopy in a procedure called polypectomy. During polypectomy, an instrument inserted through the colonoscope is used to cut the bases of the polyps and heat treatment is used to seal bleeding vessels.
Colonoscopy Complications
According to the National Institutes of Health, a colonoscopy may be a risky procedure. Some patients may suffer from complications such as adverse reactions to sedatives, colon perforation, bleeding and infection. Patients allergic to medications used during colonoscopy should inform the doctor before colonoscopy in order to avoid adverse reactions to sedatives. Patients should also assess for signs of bleeding and infection after colonoscopy in order to avoid complications. Signs of colon perforation and bleeding include bloody stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain,weakness and dizziness. Signs of colon infection include high fever, chills and abdominal pain.
