During a colonoscopy, a doctor can remove polyps or other abnormal growths from the large intestine and send them to a laboratory for examination. Some people may experience bloating and gas pains after a colonoscopy.
A person having Colonoscopy Phoenix will usually be under light or moderate sedation. They may need to stay in a recovery area until the effects of the sedation wear off.
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to look at the inside of your large bowel (colon and rectum). It is usually done in a hospital or health care centre by a specialist doctor called a gastroenterologist. The test is usually not painful and can be done without anaesthetic, although a small amount of blood in the first bowel movement after the procedure is normal. You will need to fast from food and drink for a few hours before the exam. Your letter will give you specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. You will also be asked to remove your street clothes and wear a hospital gown for the test. A nurse will explain possible risks and ask you to sign a consent form.
Your consultant will probably advise you to take a laxative medicine before the test to empty your colon. This is important because if you don’t, the test may not be able to find everything that might be present. You might need to take the laxative the night before or the morning of the procedure. You may also be advised to eat only clear liquids such as water, broth or tea and coffee without milk the day before your exam.
During the test, your consultant will use a special camera attached to a long flexible tube called a colonoscope to examine the inner lining of your large bowel. They will look for early signs of bowel cancer and other problems, such as inflamed or bleeding tissue. If they think there is a problem, they will remove some of the tissue and send it to a laboratory to check for cancerous cells or other abnormalities.
The results of a colonoscopy can be found within a few days. The tissue they remove will be tested to see if it is cancerous or not and what stage the bowel cancer is at, which helps doctors work out what treatment is best for you. You might also be advised to have a further test, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to help plan your treatment.
Preparation for a colonoscopy
Your doctor may recommend you have a colonoscopy to check for polyps or other problems in your large bowel. You will need to follow special diet guidelines and empty your bowel before the test. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Before you go to hospital, tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take. You should not take any blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen for several days before the procedure.
The day before your test you should eat only clear liquids. You may be given a laxative to help clean your large bowel. These are available as tablets or an enema. You should also make sure you are near a toilet as you will have diarrhoea. It is important to follow your doctor’s bowel preparation instructions so you don’t have to repeat the procedure.
You will be asked to arrive at the hospital endoscopy unit at least 30 minutes before your procedure. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. You will lie on your back in a room and a nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your arm or hand. Anesthesia will then be given through this tube. You will then be given painkillers and a medicine to relax you (sedation). You might have these as injections in your arm or through a small tube called a cannula in your hand or finger (epidural anaesthesia). Some hospitals use gas and air to give the sedative and painkillers. You will need to have someone with you to drive you home after your colonoscopy.
After your colonoscopy, you will have a few bowel movements that might contain a small amount of blood. This is normal. It is also common to feel gas, bloating and some cramping after the procedure.
A colonoscopy is the best way to detect cancer and other diseases in your large bowel. Screening tests for colorectal cancer are recommended for everyone over 45. People with a family history of colon cancer should start screening at an earlier age.
During a colonoscopy
A staff member will take you to a pre-procedure room where you’ll change into a hospital gown and will not be permitted any food or drink other than water sips until a few hours before your procedure. It is important to follow these instructions exactly as directed to avoid cancellation of the procedure and to ensure a safe, effective colonoscopy.
Once you are ready to begin, the doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) through your anus into your rectum and colon. You may be given sedation or anesthesia to make you more comfortable during the examination. If polyps are found, they may be removed at this time. The doctor will also look for inflammation, ulcerations and other abnormalities. The lining of the colon is often covered in mucus, making it difficult to see. The colonoscope has a light and camera, and with the use of a special scraper tool, the doctor can remove much of the mucus to gain better visibility of the lining.
You will probably feel some discomfort while the colonoscope is going through your bowel, particularly around any bends in your rectum. You may be asked to change position or have air inserted in your bowel to help the scope move through.
After the colonoscopy is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area and monitored until the effects of the sedation wear off. It’s important that you have a friend or family member drive you home, as the sedation will affect your ability to function safely.
Depending on the results of your colonoscopy, you may be sent to another specialist or to your primary care physician. If polyps were found and removed, your specialist will share the details of what they were, whether they were benign or cancerous, and will discuss a follow-up plan.
Although you can resume your normal diet the day after your colonoscopy, it is best to rest for a few days before resuming strenuous activity. You should also be careful about drinking alcohol as it can interact with the sedative used during the procedure and could increase your risk of complications.
Post-colonoscopy care
A colonoscopy is a very safe test, but it’s important to know what to expect after the procedure. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or nurse before the procedure. You may have some discomfort or pain, especially after the test is over. It’s also normal to have a small amount of bleeding from the place where a biopsy or polyp was removed. Bleeding is usually minor, but if it’s severe or persistent, you should seek medical attention immediately.
In very rare cases, problems from a colonoscopy can cause serious illness. These include damage to the bowel wall, a hole in the colon (colon perforation), infection in the colon, or infection at the site of the IV infusion. If a serious problem happens, you might need surgery or antibiotics.
You might have some cramping or discomfort after a colonoscopy. This is because air is pumped into the colon during the test, and this can cause gas or even a bowel movement. You can take medication for the pain or discomfort if you need to.
After a colonoscopy, it’s very important to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks, and avoid caffeine or alcohol. You should also rest for several hours after the test. It’s best to have someone drive you home afterward, because the sedative or anesthesia will prevent you from driving.
Before you have a colonoscopy, tell your doctor about any health problems or previous negative reactions to sedation or anesthesia. Also mention any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements you take. You might need to stop taking some of these temporarily or change the dosage before having a colonoscopy.
You’ll be asked to follow a special diet the day before and the day of your test. This may include a liquid diet with laxatives or enemas. You’ll also be told when to stop eating and drinking and when to begin again. Follow these instructions carefully to help ensure a smooth and successful procedure. You may need to stay in the hospital for several hours, but you should be able to go home shortly afterward.