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We would like you to pay your attention to the one of the most important prophylactic procedures carried out in our facility. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Colon cancer screening is recommended to people over the age of 45 or earlier.
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What is a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a simple procedure that is performed comfortably with sedation. The procedure provides significant information for which treatment can often be given. Serious complications rarely occur as a result of this procedure. Overall, you should plan on spending about 3 hours in our facility to undergo this procedure. The term "colonoscopy" means looking inside the colon. The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive or GI tract. Its main function is to store unabsorbed food products prior to their elimination.
The procedure is performed using an colonoscope. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely maneuver the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the colon. The colonoscope contains a channel that allows instruments to be passed in order to take tissue or stool samples, remove polyps, and provide other therapy. The high quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor. Colonoscopy provides the best imaging of the colon at present. This procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy (obtain a small piece of tissue) for further analysis. In this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or to better define what type of surgery may be needed.
At present, colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective way to detect cancer of the colon. In addition, colonoscopy can identify and remove colon polyps - abnormal growths on the inside lining of the intestine. Polyps vary in size and shape and, while most are not cancerous, 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 they are removed, via a technique called a polypectomy. By identifying and removing polyps (which may develop into cancer over years), colonoscopy likely prevents many cancers from forming. Colonoscopy is used also to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, altered bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, and weight loss. Colonoscopy can also identify and treat active bleeding from the bowel.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
First, if your doctor has not already reviewed them, bring any x-rays or other tests you have undergone. Please, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all the medicines you are taking and any allergies you have to drugs or other substances. In particular, alert your physician if you are taking aspirin products, arthritis medications such as ibuprofen, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diabetic medication, or iron products.
Doctor will also want to know if you have heart, lung, or other medical conditions that may need special attention before, during, or after your procedure. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for your procedure. Be sure to read and follow these instructions carefully. Make sure you identify the preparation specific to your doctor's office.
The preparation is a critical step of this procedure. It is necessary to thoroughly clean out the colon. For many patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the colon is cleansed will determine the success of the procedure. One very important step in preparing for your procedure is that you should not eat or drink within six hours of your procedure. You could develop a pneumonia if food enters your lung as a result of vomiting (due to the effects of the sedative medicines) during or after the procedure, a time your gag reflex may not have returned to its normal state.
What happens when I arrive at the Endoscopy Unit?
A detailed medical history will be obtained by the medical staff and you'll be asked to sign a form that verifies your consent to proceed with the test and your understanding what is involved.
After signing the consent form, you will be taken to the procedure room and be connected to monitors that will measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and the oxygenation levels of your blood throughout the procedure. You then will be asked to turn onto your left side and shortly thereafter, the procedure will begin. The procedure is typically done with sedation.
What can be done during my Colonoscopy?
In some cases, it may be necessary to take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, for later examination under the microscope. This occurs when your physician finds an abnormality while viewing your GI tract. Biopsies can help with identifying the cause of inflammation of the colon, which can lead to bleeding or diarrhea. Biopsies are also used to obtain tissue if lumps or masses are seen to determine if they represent a cancer. Biopsies can also be used to remove smaller polyps. At times, biopsies of normal appearing mucosa to screen for diseases that are identified at a microscopic, but not endoscopic, level. Regardless of the indication, obtaining a biopsy is a painless procedure.
As endoscopic technology has advanced, many techniques are now performed through the colonoscope that previously required an operation. The polyp can be retrieved through suctioning it through the scope or with a retrieval device. Bleeding lesions such as abnormal blood vessels (vascular ectasia) or diverticula (small pockets in the wall of the colon that may become infected or bleed) can be cauterized with electricity or heat. This is done with a special probe placed through the colonoscope and applied at the site of bleeding. Foreign bodies inserted into the rectum may be removed as well, avoiding surgery. Finally, bleeding hemorrhoids may be injected with medicines to cause them to scar down and avoid further bleeding. This process is called sclerotherapy. Typically, patients do not feel any pain during the procedure while these techniques are being performed.
What are the risks associated with a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy has been shown to be a safe procedure through years of experience. However, no medical procedure is completely risk free. Complications, though rare, can occur. There is a small risk of having a reaction to the sedative medications or antibiotics that may be given prior to your procedure. This risk of infection is minimal and antibiotics are not routinely used. During the procedure, the major risks are perforation (a puncture of the intestinal wall), which could require surgical repair, and bleeding, which could require transfusion. These risks are slightly increased if a polyp is removed via snare technique. 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. Occasionally, pain/fever may develop hours to days after a polypectomy, resulting in "post-polypectomy" syndrome. This often resolves with antibiotics and surgery is not usually required. Again, all of these complications are quite unlikely.
In addition, the medications used for sedation may cause alterations in your heart rate or blood pressure. This is why you are monitored throughout your procedure and during your recovery period. Medications to reverse the effects of the sedatives are available, if necessary. Be aware that, occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as abdominal bloating or cramping. These symptoms typically disappear in 24 hours or less. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have with your doctor.
What can I expect after my Colonoscopy?
When your colonoscopy is completed you'll be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. You may have some cramping or bloating, but this should quickly resolve. You will be able to eat when you wake up, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will inform you about the results of the procedure and provide any additional information you need to know. Follow-up plans will also be made at this time. You will also be given guidelines for resuming your normal activity.
By the time you're ready to go home, you should feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, you should plan on resting for the remainder of the day. This means not driving, so you'll need to have a family member or friend take you home.
What symptoms should I look for after my procedure that I need to contact the Doctor for?
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as bloating or cramping; these should disappear over a few hours or less. Should you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, or extreme dizziness/weakness, please contact your physician regarding these symptoms. Early recognition of possible complications is important
Colonoscopy is a simple procedure that is performed comfortably with sedation. The procedure provides significant information for which treatment can often be given. Serious complications rarely occur as a result of this procedure. Overall, you should plan on spending about 3 hours in our facility to undergo this procedure. The term "colonoscopy" means looking inside the colon. The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive or GI tract. Its main function is to store unabsorbed food products prior to their elimination.
The procedure is performed using an colonoscope. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely maneuver the instrument to carefully examine the inside lining of the colon. The colonoscope contains a channel that allows instruments to be passed in order to take tissue or stool samples, remove polyps, and provide other therapy. The high quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor. Colonoscopy provides the best imaging of the colon at present. This procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy (obtain a small piece of tissue) for further analysis. In this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or to better define what type of surgery may be needed.
At present, colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective way to detect cancer of the colon. In addition, colonoscopy can identify and remove colon polyps - abnormal growths on the inside lining of the intestine. Polyps vary in size and shape and, while most are not cancerous, 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 they are removed, via a technique called a polypectomy. By identifying and removing polyps (which may develop into cancer over years), colonoscopy likely prevents many cancers from forming. Colonoscopy is used also to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, altered bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea, and weight loss. Colonoscopy can also identify and treat active bleeding from the bowel.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
First, if your doctor has not already reviewed them, bring any x-rays or other tests you have undergone. Please, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all the medicines you are taking and any allergies you have to drugs or other substances. In particular, alert your physician if you are taking aspirin products, arthritis medications such as ibuprofen, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diabetic medication, or iron products.
Doctor will also want to know if you have heart, lung, or other medical conditions that may need special attention before, during, or after your procedure. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for your procedure. Be sure to read and follow these instructions carefully. Make sure you identify the preparation specific to your doctor's office.
The preparation is a critical step of this procedure. It is necessary to thoroughly clean out the colon. For many patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is essential that you complete this step carefully, because how well the colon is cleansed will determine the success of the procedure. One very important step in preparing for your procedure is that you should not eat or drink within six hours of your procedure. You could develop a pneumonia if food enters your lung as a result of vomiting (due to the effects of the sedative medicines) during or after the procedure, a time your gag reflex may not have returned to its normal state.
What happens when I arrive at the Endoscopy Unit?
A detailed medical history will be obtained by the medical staff and you'll be asked to sign a form that verifies your consent to proceed with the test and your understanding what is involved.
After signing the consent form, you will be taken to the procedure room and be connected to monitors that will measure your heart rate, blood pressure, and the oxygenation levels of your blood throughout the procedure. You then will be asked to turn onto your left side and shortly thereafter, the procedure will begin. The procedure is typically done with sedation.
What can be done during my Colonoscopy?
In some cases, it may be necessary to take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, for later examination under the microscope. This occurs when your physician finds an abnormality while viewing your GI tract. Biopsies can help with identifying the cause of inflammation of the colon, which can lead to bleeding or diarrhea. Biopsies are also used to obtain tissue if lumps or masses are seen to determine if they represent a cancer. Biopsies can also be used to remove smaller polyps. At times, biopsies of normal appearing mucosa to screen for diseases that are identified at a microscopic, but not endoscopic, level. Regardless of the indication, obtaining a biopsy is a painless procedure.
As endoscopic technology has advanced, many techniques are now performed through the colonoscope that previously required an operation. The polyp can be retrieved through suctioning it through the scope or with a retrieval device. Bleeding lesions such as abnormal blood vessels (vascular ectasia) or diverticula (small pockets in the wall of the colon that may become infected or bleed) can be cauterized with electricity or heat. This is done with a special probe placed through the colonoscope and applied at the site of bleeding. Foreign bodies inserted into the rectum may be removed as well, avoiding surgery. Finally, bleeding hemorrhoids may be injected with medicines to cause them to scar down and avoid further bleeding. This process is called sclerotherapy. Typically, patients do not feel any pain during the procedure while these techniques are being performed.
What are the risks associated with a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy has been shown to be a safe procedure through years of experience. However, no medical procedure is completely risk free. Complications, though rare, can occur. There is a small risk of having a reaction to the sedative medications or antibiotics that may be given prior to your procedure. This risk of infection is minimal and antibiotics are not routinely used. During the procedure, the major risks are perforation (a puncture of the intestinal wall), which could require surgical repair, and bleeding, which could require transfusion. These risks are slightly increased if a polyp is removed via snare technique. 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. Occasionally, pain/fever may develop hours to days after a polypectomy, resulting in "post-polypectomy" syndrome. This often resolves with antibiotics and surgery is not usually required. Again, all of these complications are quite unlikely.
In addition, the medications used for sedation may cause alterations in your heart rate or blood pressure. This is why you are monitored throughout your procedure and during your recovery period. Medications to reverse the effects of the sedatives are available, if necessary. Be aware that, occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as abdominal bloating or cramping. These symptoms typically disappear in 24 hours or less. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have with your doctor.
What can I expect after my Colonoscopy?
When your colonoscopy is completed you'll be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. You may have some cramping or bloating, but this should quickly resolve. You will be able to eat when you wake up, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Your doctor will inform you about the results of the procedure and provide any additional information you need to know. Follow-up plans will also be made at this time. You will also be given guidelines for resuming your normal activity.
By the time you're ready to go home, you should feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, you should plan on resting for the remainder of the day. This means not driving, so you'll need to have a family member or friend take you home.
What symptoms should I look for after my procedure that I need to contact the Doctor for?
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as bloating or cramping; these should disappear over a few hours or less. Should you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, or extreme dizziness/weakness, please contact your physician regarding these symptoms. Early recognition of possible complications is important
