What is Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to view the large intestine (colon and rectum) using an instrument called a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera and lens attached at one end). The procedure can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. It is used to diagnose early signs of colorectal cancer, bowel disorders, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, anal bleeding, and non-dietary weight loss.
Preparing for Colonoscopy
Your physician may provide you with verbal or written instructions to help you prepare for the colonoscopy procedure. You will need to undergo bowel preparation.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract should be devoid of solid food; a strict liquid diet should be followed for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. Patients should not drink beverages containing red or purple dye. Liquids that may be taken before surgery include fruit juices, plain coffee, tea, and water.
Certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other blood-thinning medications as well as iron-containing preparations should be stopped before the test. Iron medications produce a dark black stool, and this makes the view inside the bowel less clear.
A laxative or an enema may be performed the night before colonoscopy. Laxatives loosen the stools and increase bowel movement. They are usually swallowed in pill form or as a powder dissolved in water.
The Procedure
Colonoscopy is typically performed without anaesthesia and only rarely requires sedation. The colonoscope is then withdrawn very slowly as the camera shows pictures of the colon and rectum on a large screen. Polyps or growths can be removed during colonoscopy and later sent for laboratory investigation.
Colonoscopy can help diagnose various conditions of the colon and is more sensitive than an X-ray examination.
Driving is not permitted for 12 hours after a colonoscopy.
