Wellness Blog

A colonoscopy is an exam used to look for changes such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy as well.

Why IS A COLONOSCOPY done?

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to:

Investigate intestinal signs and symptoms. A colonoscopy can help your doctor explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

Screen for colon cancer. Colonoscopy is one of a few options for colon cancer screening. Your doctor can advise you on when you need to screen for colon cancer based upon your risk factors.

Look for more polyps. If you have had polyps before, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to look for and remove any additional polyps. This is done to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Treat an issue. Sometimes, a colonoscopy may be done for treatment purposes, such as placing a stent or removing an object in your colon.

Risks

A colonoscopy poses few risks. Rarely, complications of a colonoscopy may include:

1. A reaction to the sedative used during the procedure.
2. Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed
3. A tear in the colon or rectum wall (perforation)

After discussing the risks of colonoscopy with you, your doctor will ask you to sign a

consent form giving permission for the procedure.

How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?

Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out (empty) your colon. Any residue in your colon may make it difficult to get a good view of your colon and rectum during the exam.

To empty your colon, your doctor may ask you to:

1. Fasting the night before the procedure. You will be advised to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam.
2. Take a laxative. Your doctor will usually recommend taking a laxative the night before your colonoscopy. Please follow the instructions given for taking the laxative.
3. Adjust your medications. Remind your doctor of your medications especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, take medications or supplements that contain iron. It is important to tell your doctor if you take aspirin or other medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin, newer anticoagulants, such as dabigatran or rivaroxaban, used to reduce risk of blot clots or stroke; or heart medications that affect platelets, such as clopidogrel (Plavix).

You may need to adjust your dosages or stop taking the medications temporarily.

What can you expect?

During the procedure

During a colonoscopy, you'll wear a gown, but likely nothing else. Sedation or anaesthesia is usually recommended.

You'll begin the exam lying on your side on the exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your chest. The doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum.

The scope, which is long enough to reach the entire length of your colon, contains a light and a tube (channel) that allows the doctor to pump air, carbon dioxide or water into your colon. The air or carbon dioxide inflates the colon, which provides a better view of the lining of the colon.

When the scope is moved or air is introduced, you may feel stomach cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement.

The colonoscope also contains a tiny video camera at its tip. The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon.

The doctor can also insert instruments through the channel to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue.

A colonoscopy typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

After the procedure

After the exam, it takes about an hour to begin to recover from the sedative. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon. Walking may help relieve any discomfort.

You may also notice a small amount of blood with your first bowel movement after the exam. Usually this isn't cause for alarm. This may occur immediately or in the first few days after the procedure but may be delayed for up to 1 to 2 weeks.

Results

Your doctor will review the results of the colonoscopy and then share the results with you. You will be given a date for a review appointment if required.

Negative result

A colonoscopy is considered negative if the doctor doesn't find any abnormalities in the colon.

If there was residual stool in the colon that prevented complete examination of your colon, your doctor may recommend a repeat colonoscopy.

Positive result

A colonoscopy is considered positive if the doctor finds any polyps or abnormal tissue in the colon.

Most polyps aren't cancerous, but some can be precancerous. Polyps removed during colonoscopy are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether they are cancerous, precancerous or noncancerous. You will be given instructions on when to collect the biopsy report.

Post procedure instructions

Transportation: Plan for an attender to accompany you home, especially if you have been given sedation.

Activity: Rest for the day and avoid strenuous activity for the next few days. You may experience bloating sensation and cramping which is usually relieved by walking.

Diet: Have bland, soft diet and rehydrate with water. You can start solids if no polyps were found. Slowly reintroduce fibre-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) unless advised otherwise due to polyp removal. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.