A colonoscopy procedure is done to examine a patient's colon and rectum. It is done with the help of a CCD camera that is attached to a long and flexible tube. This tube is inserted into the person's rectum and can be threaded into the colon to examine it. The image that the camera portrays is looked at in an enlarged screen. This makes identifying any abnormalities very easy, as it gives a magnified view.
Usually this procedure is done in order to check why there is bleeding in the stool, unexplained diarrhea, change in bowel habits, etc. This is also a method to check for cancerous polyps in the colon. A colonoscopy procedure is generally advised to a person above 50 years of age, as they are more likely to develop polyps.
Just as any other procedure, this one also requires preparation beforehand. The doctors will advice the patient to be only on a liquid diet, at least one day before the procedure is taken place. Laxatives are also given to the patient in order to clean the intestine and clear it. If there is anything obstructing the way, the doctor will not be able to get a clear view of the colon.
Here are some of the benefits of a colonoscopy procedure -
1. The process is relatively painless.
2. It is quick compared to other procedures.
3. Polyps or other lesions can be removed at once, avoiding the need for surgical intervention later on.
4. The doctor can have a clear view of the colon, which makes treatment easier. For example - if blood is found in the colon, treatment can be given accordingly.
5. The patient can leave home after a few hours of the procedure. They need not stay overnight at the hospital.
6. Usually it does not have any serious risks.
Before, During and After the procedure -
Sedatives are given to make the procedure more comfortable and less painful. With the help of these, the patient will barely be able to feel anything. It is good to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you are already taking any medication. This may or may not have an effect on the result of this procedure. After this the doctor will insert the tube into the rectum and slowly move it along the colon. In this process if any polyps are found, they are removed immediately. Polyps are nothing but pre-cancerous growths, which need to be removed. The timing varies from 15 minutes to 1 hour, where the doctor will remove all the polyps (if found).
After the procedure the patient is bound to be groggy as the effects of the sedatives will not disappear immediately. After resting for awhile, the patient can leave for home. The doctor again may or may not prescribe medication for you after the procedure is over, depending on your case. And you will be advised not to do certain activities, especially if a polyp has been removed. The polyps that have been removed will be taken to the laboratory to check if they are cancerous or not.
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