A colonoscopy can help detect colorectal cancer, the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the United States. It can also remove polyps that, over time, may turn into cancer.
What to Expect
The prep for a colonoscopy is unpleasant, but the alternative is worse: colorectal cancer. The procedure can diagnose and treat abnormalities like polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. It also helps doctors find and remove early-stage colon cancers.
Using anesthesia and sedation, you will not feel any pain inside your colon during the procedure. The provider inserts the tube into your rectum and up through your colon. A camera attached to the tube provides images of your colon lining. The doctor may also use the tube to collect a tissue sample or remove an abnormal growth.
During the test, you might experience gas and bloating or notice small amounts of blood in your first bowel movement afterward. You will not be able to drive after the exam, so you should have arrangements made for someone to take you home afterward.
Preparation
A colonoscopy involves a doctor passing a flexible tube with a light and camera on one end into the large intestine (colon) through the anus (rectum). The doctor can then look for polyps or other tissue for biopsy. A sedative and pain medication is usually given to make the test less uncomfortable.
According to Gastroenterology Of The Rockies experts, people must begin following a liquid diet and taking laxatives the day before a colonoscopy. They must follow the exact instructions provided to them by a healthcare provider.
They should stock up on clear fluids like water, sports drinks, iced tea and juices, broth or strained cream soups, nutritional liquid supplements, and pureed fruits and vegetables. A person may also want to buy moist or medicated wipes, diaper creams, and a stool softener. It is crucial to prepare for a colonoscopy because it can find polyps and other early-stage colon cancers that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to find. This prevents them from becoming more serious and potentially life-threatening.
Procedure
During the procedure, your doctor inserts the flexible tube (colonoscope) into the large intestine and examines its lining. The test can detect polyps, which are precancerous growths, and cancer. It can also identify areas where the bowel might have problems, such as narrowing or inflammation.
You will receive sedation, meaning you will not feel pain or discomfort. The doctors will consider your age and health conditions when deciding the level of sedation to give you.
After the exam, your doctor will let you know the results of any biopsies that were taken or any polyps removed. Because you received sedatives during the colonoscopy, you must arrange for someone to drive you home because your judgment and reflexes could be affected for a few hours.
Recovery
A person can expect to spend a few hours recovering from a colonoscopy. They should have a plan to ensure they get enough rest before returning to work and normal activities. Depending on the procedure’sprocedure’s results, the doctor may make follow-up recommendations.
The test is typically performed at a hospital, medical office, or outpatient center. The doctor will start the exam by inserting a tube through the anus and rectum. This tube is connected to a camera that sends a video image of the large intestine to a monitor. A person must stop consuming liquids for two to four hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include strained fruit juice, clear soda, tea, and coffee without milk and broth. The person must also stop taking some medicines, including aspirin and other pain relievers that affect blood clotting.