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What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is most commonly used to check for bowel
problems, such as rectal bleeding or noncancerous growths called polyps, and as
a screening test for colorectal cancer. This procedure is usually an
outpatient procedure in which the rectum and the inside of the large intestine
are examined with a lighted scope.
What Should I Expect?
 | Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have a heart or lung condition, or
if you are allergic to any medications. You also need to let him know if you
have an artificial heart valve or if you've been told that you need to take
antibiotics before having your teeth cleaned or having surgery. |
| Tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking, since some drugs can
interfere with the examination. Those include aspirin products, arthritis
medications, blood thinners, insulin, or iron. |
| Within one week of the procedure, do not take medications containing
aspirin or any containing anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or
naproxen. |
| Within one week of the procedure, do not take medicines for constipation,
especially Metamucil, Citrucel, Perdiem, or any other bulk-forming agent. |
| Medications for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or thyroid disease
may be taken with water the day of the procedure. Do not stop taking any
medication without checking with your primary care doctor. |
How Should I Prepare?
The preparation for a colonoscopy is called a bowel prep.
| Your colon must be empty for the procedure to be accurate and complete. It
is very important that you read and follow the instructions given to you for
your bowel preparation well in advance of the test. |
| Get the prescription medications at least five days before the scheduled
colonoscopy. |
| Be prepared: Bring a responsible adult with you to the procedure. You
cannot operate or drive machinery for at least 8 hours after the procedure.
The medication given during colonoscopy may cause drowsiness. |
During the procedure
Your doctor will explain the procedure in detail, including possible
complications and side effects. Your doctor also will answer any questions you
may have.
| You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove your eyeglasses. You
will then lie on your left side with your knees drawn up. |
| A pain reliever and a sedative will be injected into your veins. You'll
feel relaxed and drowsy. |
| The colonoscope, a long flexible instrument about the thickness of your
finger, is lubricated and placed into the rectum. Then a small amount of air
is used to expand the colon so the doctor can see the inside lining of the
colon. |
| Then, the scope is inserted further and your doctor will examine the
lining of your colon on a screen, much like a TV. The doctor steers the scope
using handheld controls. |
| You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. You can reduce cramping
by taking several slow, deep breaths. |
| The procedure usually takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes. |
What if my doctor finds something abnormal?
If your doctor thinks an area of the bowel needs to be evaluated in greater
detail, an instrument is passed through the scope to obtain a painless biopsy,
or tissue sample. This tissue is then submitted to a laboratory for analysis and
results are usually available in a week to 10 days.
If the purpose of the procedure is to control bleeding, your doctor may use
an instrument to stop the bleeding if a cause is found. If polyps are found,
they are usually removed and sent to the lab to make sure it's not cancer.
However, just because your doctor takes biopsies doesn't necessarily mean that
cancer is suspected. It is also possible your doctor may take a stool sample.
After the procedure
| You will stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation.
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| Your doctor will discuss the results of the colonoscopy with you. |
| You may continue to experience mild cramps or gas, but that usually passes
quickly. |
| A responsible adult must accompany you home. Do not drive or operate
machinery for at least 8 hours after the procedure |
| You may resume a normal diet. |
| If you are on Coumadin, or another blood thinner, your doctor may
prescribe another method for thinning your blood after the procedure. These
drugs cannot be taken for two weeks after the procedure. |
| If polyps were removed, avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs
such as ibuprofen for two weeks after the procedure as they can increase the
risk of bleeding. You may take Tylenol if needed for pain. |
| You may experience light rectal bleeding for several days following a
biopsy. |
Call your doctor if:
| If you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or heavy bleeding
from your rectum (more than a teaspoon at a time). |
| If you pass any black stools within two weeks of the procedure. |
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