Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases of the large intestine. As a result of the progress made in the field of fiberoptics, colonoscopies are now considered a safe, relatively simple and highly effective diagnostic technique. Increased awareness of the value of early diagnosis has made the procedure part of many people's comprehensive physical examination.
Through the use of colonoscopy, it is possible to detect and remove polyps without abdominal surgery and perform biopsies which may reveal early signs of cancer. In addition, periodic colonoscopy is critical in monitoring patients who have had polyps, colitis, colon cancer, or have a family history of colon cancer.
Q. What is a colonoscopy?
A. The colon, which is shaped like a very large question mark with many twists and turns, begins in the right-lower abdomen and ends in the rectum. A colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of visually examining the colon using a very narrow lighted, flexible fiberoptic tube called a colonoscope. At the end of the tube is a miniature color-TV camera with a wide angle lens which is used to examine the lining of your digestive tract on a television monitor. More accurate than a barium enema x-ray, and much simpler than exploratory abdominal surgery, colonoscopy is safe and generally well-tolerated by patients.
Q. How do I know if I need a colonoscopy?
A. Your physician may recommend a colonoscopy if you have changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, have unusual abdominal pain, suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (colitis), Crohn's disease, have a history of colon polyps, or a history of colon cancer in your family. Colonoscopies also can verify findings of polyps or tumors located with a barium enema exam as well as evaluate intestinal inflammation, ulcerations and diverticulitis.
Q. What should I do before the procedure?
A. Always tell your doctor if you are on any medications or if you have any special medical conditions, including dia- betes, pregnancy, lung or heart conditions, or if you are allergic to any medications or taking any that may affect blood clotting. If you have ever been told to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure, you may need to take antibiotics before a colonoscopy. Your physician can answer all your questions.
Q. Is any preparation necessary before the procedure?
A. Yes. Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. There are a variety of preparations your doctor can choose from to flush the colon, including tablets or a liquid solution that you drink. In addition, you will be asked to drink only clear liquids for one day before the procedure and will be given advice on taking regular medications during that time. A list of detailed instructions will be provided to you by your physician.
Q. What happens during the procedure?
A. On the day of the procedure, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, you will lie on your left side on an examining table and the physician will insert the colonoscope into the rectum and gently move it through your colon. You may have to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope. There are several tiny instruments in the scope which help the physician do several things: blow air into your colon, which inflates it to help the physician see better; remove polyps or take biopsies; and stop any bleeding. After the procedure, there may a little discomfort, like the feeling of having gas, but that soon subsides. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and most patients can resume their regular diet later that day.
Q. What happens after the examination?
A. Your physician will explain the findings to you and your family. If you've had prolonged effects from the sedatives, you may need to make a follow-up appointment. If you have excessive or prolonged rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, fever or chills, call your doctor right away. If a biopsy was performed or a polyp removed, you should get the results in about a week. Even though you should feel fine, it's important to have someone else drive you home after the procedure because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions as well.
Q. Are there any risks associated with having a colonoscopy?
A. Serious complications from this procedure are very rare. Of course, as with any medical procedure, com- plications can occur. This might include excessive bleeding, especially if a large polyp was removed, or, in rare cases, a tear in the lining of the colon, which might require hospitalization or surgery. Again, these complications are rare.
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in the state of Georgia.
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