The colon, or large intestine, is the last part of your digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The colon consists of a hollow tube about five feet long. The colon absorbs water and minerals from digested food. Stool enters the colon from the small intestine in liquid form, then becomes solid on its journey through the colon. The last part of the colon is called the rectum. Stool is stored in the rectum before being expelled.
The main instrument that is used to look inside the colon is the colonoscope. The colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high-quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and gives a clear, detailed view.
Colonoscopy is also a safe and effective way to evaluate problems such as:
When needed, other instruments can be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to biopsy, that is, take a small piece of tissue for further analysis.
If you are over 80 years of age, on blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and/or have serious medical conditions, then you will be asked to schedule an office visit with your gastroenterologist prior to the colonoscopy. Otherwise, a nurse from our office will call you prior to your scheduled procedure. The nurse will ask you about your medical history. Give the nurse a complete list of all medicines you are taking including over-the-counter medications and natural supplements. It is especially important to discuss diabetic medications with the nurse or your physician before the test.
Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel, and your doctor will recommend what he or she prefers in your specific case. Often, a liquid preparation designed to stimulate bowel movements is given by mouth. Additional approaches include special diets, such as clear fluids, or the use of enemas or suppositories. Whichever method or combination of methods is recommended for you, be sure to follow instructions as directed. Preparation instructions are available on our website. A nurse from our office will tell you which set of preparation instructions to follow.
Your colonoscopy will be done in a hospital or special outpatient surgical center. You will be asked to sign a form that verifies that you consent to having the procedure and that you understand what is involved. If there is anything you do not understand, ask for more information.
The time needed for colonoscopy will vary, depending in part on what is found and what is done; on average, the procedure takes about 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. At this time, your doctor will inform you about the results of your colonoscopy and provide any additional information you need to know. You will also be given instructions regarding how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.
Most patients experience no discomfort after the procedure. Some feel mild bloating or "gas cramps" that dissipate within 15-30 minutes. Rarely, bloating or mild cramping persists up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your colonoscopy. This means not driving, so you will need to arrange to have a family member or friend take you home.
When polyp removal or biopsy is performed, hemorrhage — heavy bleeding — may result and sometimes require blood transfusion or reinsertion of the colonoscope to control the bleeding. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about the procedure with your doctor.
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the colon and rectum—called colorectal cancer (CRC)—occurs when a growth (polyp) on the lining of the colon has become malignant, or cancerous. Colorectal cancer can be cured, especially when detected early.Colonoscopy
The term colonoscopy refers to a medical procedure during which a long flexible tube is used to look inside the colon. It is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist, a well-trained specialist.The main instrument that is used to look inside the colon is the colonoscope. The colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high-quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and gives a clear, detailed view.
Uses of Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an important way to check for colon cancer and colon polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths on the inside lining of the colon; they vary in size and shape. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some may turn into cancer. However, it is not possible to tell just by looking at a polyp if it is malignant or potentially malignant. This is why colonoscopy is used to remove polyps, a technique called a polypectomy.Colonoscopy is also a safe and effective way to evaluate problems such as:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Abdominal or rectal pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhea
- Anemia
When needed, other instruments can be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to biopsy, that is, take a small piece of tissue for further analysis.
Before the Procedure
Regardless of the reason colonoscopy has been recommended for you, there are important steps that you can take to best prepare for and participate in the procedure.If you are over 80 years of age, on blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and/or have serious medical conditions, then you will be asked to schedule an office visit with your gastroenterologist prior to the colonoscopy. Otherwise, a nurse from our office will call you prior to your scheduled procedure. The nurse will ask you about your medical history. Give the nurse a complete list of all medicines you are taking including over-the-counter medications and natural supplements. It is especially important to discuss diabetic medications with the nurse or your physician before the test.
Prepare Your Colon for the Test
You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for colonoscopy; be sure to read and follow these instructions. One very critical step is to thoroughly clean out the colon, which, for many patients, can be the most difficult part of the entire exam. It is essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the bowel is emptied will help determine how well your doctor can examine it during colonoscopy. If your colon is not emptied of stool, then the exam cannot be done.Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel, and your doctor will recommend what he or she prefers in your specific case. Often, a liquid preparation designed to stimulate bowel movements is given by mouth. Additional approaches include special diets, such as clear fluids, or the use of enemas or suppositories. Whichever method or combination of methods is recommended for you, be sure to follow instructions as directed. Preparation instructions are available on our website. A nurse from our office will tell you which set of preparation instructions to follow.
Your colonoscopy will be done in a hospital or special outpatient surgical center. You will be asked to sign a form that verifies that you consent to having the procedure and that you understand what is involved. If there is anything you do not understand, ask for more information.
During the Colonoscopy
During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure that you will be as comfortable as possible. An intravenous line, or IV, will be placed to give you medication to make you relaxed and drowsy. Once you are fully relaxed, your doctor will first do a rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger; then the lubricated colonoscope will be gently inserted.The time needed for colonoscopy will vary, depending in part on what is found and what is done; on average, the procedure takes about 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. At this time, your doctor will inform you about the results of your colonoscopy and provide any additional information you need to know. You will also be given instructions regarding how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.
Most patients experience no discomfort after the procedure. Some feel mild bloating or "gas cramps" that dissipate within 15-30 minutes. Rarely, bloating or mild cramping persists up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your colonoscopy. This means not driving, so you will need to arrange to have a family member or friend take you home.
Possible Complications
Although colonoscopy is a safe procedure, complications can occur, including perforation or puncture of the colon walls, which could require surgical repair. Complications during a colonoscopy are rare. You should also be aware that colonoscopy is not perfect and even with a skilled physician, some colon lesions (abnormalities) might be missed.When polyp removal or biopsy is performed, hemorrhage — heavy bleeding — may result and sometimes require blood transfusion or reinsertion of the colonoscope to control the bleeding. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about the procedure with your doctor.
After the Colonoscopy
A day or so after you are home, you might speak with a member of the colonoscopy team for follow-up, or you may have questions you want to ask the doctor directly. If biopsies are taken or if polyps are removed, you will be called with biopsy results 5-7 days after the procedure. |
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