COLONOSCOPY
A Colonoscopy is an examination of the lower part of the intestinal tract, also called the colon or large intestine (bowel). The endoscopist inserts a colonoscope into the anus up to the end of the colon and possibly a short distance into the small intestine. The procedure takes under one hour.
Reasons for a colonoscopy:
Preparation: The inside of your colon must be cleaned of stool to obtain a thorough examination. Your doctor will give you a list of fluids that are allowed. To purge the bowel of stool, you will either:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Dark/black stools
- Persistent Diarrhea
- Iron deficiency anemia (decrease in blood count due to loss of iron)
- Significant, unexplained weight loss, accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms
- Family history of colon cancer
- Follow-up of abnormal barium enema
- History of colon polyps, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic, unexplained abdominal pain
Certain medications, such as aspirin and iron preparations, should be discontinued for 1-2 weeks before the examination. Ask your doctor about other medications. Arrange for a responsible person to escort you safely home after the examination. Due to residue of sedation medications, do not operate heavy machinery, make major decisions or drink alcohol for 24 hours.
- drink one gallon of undigestible solution that gives you temporary diarrhea, or
- drink Fleets Phosphosoda. This solution contains phosphorus, which may be a problem for those with heart or kidney conditions.
Procedure: The colonoscopy will be performed with you lying on your left side. Medications will be administered through the intravenous line. Most people sleep during the examination. The colonoscope, a flexible tube the size of an index finger, has a lens and light source that allows the endoscopist to look at magnified images on a computer monitor. The endoscopist will introduce air through the scope to open the colon to obtain biopsies (small pieces of tissue) and remove polyps (extra growths of tissue).
Recovery: You may feel a bit groggy and you may experience a feeling of bloating or gas cramps from the air. Do not be embarrassed about releasing the air through your rectum. Let the doctor know if you are uncomfortable. Rest during the day and eat a regular diet unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.
Report these symptoms immediately to your doctor:
If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Catalina Gastroenterology, Carol A Lee-Collins, MD, for consultation. Return to Patient Education Page.
- Severe abdomimal pain
- A firm, distended abdomen
- Vomiting or fever
- Bleeding greater than a few tablespoons