COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the lining of the large intestine. It uses a tool called a colonoscope. This is a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small camera inside. It is passed through the entire length of the large intestine. The examiner can also pass surgical tools through the endoscope.

Colonoscopy is used to evaluate:

blood in the stool or unexplained rectal bleeding
intestinal narrowing or blockage
inflammation or ulcerative disease
abnormal growths, polyps and cancer and
someone with personal or family history of polyps or cancer

The large intestine must be thoroughly clean to be clearly visible. You need to go on a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the test. Clear liquids mean fat-free bouillon or broth, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. Gelatin or popsicles in any color but red may also be eaten. You must take a laxative the night before and an enema on the morning of the test. The enema must be repeated until there is no solid matter.

To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of clear liquids (such as juices and broths). Unless otherwise instructed, continue taking any regularly-prescribed medication. Discontinue taking iron preparations a few weeks before the test, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Iron produces a dark black stool, which makes it difficult to view the intestines. If you have valvular heart disease, your provider may give you antibiotics to take before and after the test to prevent infection. A mild sedative is often given to help you relax.

At the start of the test, you will lie on your side with knees drawn up to your stomach. The colonoscope is well lubricated for easy insertion through the rectum. Throughout the test, you may feel the urge to have a bowel movement, but that is normal. Pressure and brief cramping may be felt, but it is rarely painful. If there is any discomfort, it can be lessened by taking slow, deep breaths. This will also help relax the abdominal muscles. The examiner often pumps air into the intestine to get a better view. It is normal for this air to escape as "gas" during the test and for a while after the test. This is necessary and expected.

The examiner can view the entire lining on a TV monitor. Images can be transferred to photographs and kept for comparison with future tests. The examiner can pass tools through the scope to inject medications, stop bleeding, take biopsies, or remove polyps. If polyps or other tissue is removed, you may notice a small amount of blood in the stool for a short time.

The test lasts 30 to 60 minutes. It is usually done as an outpatient. You must plan to have someone take you home after the test, if this is done as an outpatient. You may be weak and unable to drive. Several hours rest is recommended after the test. To replace fluids lost because of laxatives and not eating, drink plenty of liquids after the test.

The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy every 10 years for all persons after age 50, who are considered average-risk. If you have a higher risk, your provider may recommend that you have it more frequently.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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