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Colonoscopy is an investigation performed using a long flexible tube about the thickness of your little finger to visually examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It is used not only to diagnose various intestinal problems but also to perform biopsies and remove intestinal polyps and other more complicated therapies.
This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.
Some of the possible symptoms and indications that may require a colonoscopy to be performed are:
- Rectal bleeding
- Mucus per rectum
- Change in bowel habit (constipation or diarrhea)
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms
- Patients who test positive for blood in the stools
- Verifying or to remove biopsy polyps located by barium enema examination
- Personal history of colonic polyps or cancer
- Family history of colorectal cancer or familial colorectal polyposis
Colonoscopy is the most accurate examination in detecting polyps or early cancers in the colon. Removal of benign polyps is a major step towards the prevention of colon and rectal cancer.
Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure with less than 0.01% risk of perforation to the wall of the colon in our hands.
A clean colon is essential for this procedure. This will increase both the accuracy and safety of the procedure and also shorten the time needed for the examination.
The entire procedure usually takes about 10-30mins. This procedure is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There may be a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping at various times during the procedure. A mild sedation may be given if the patient is unable to tolerate this feeling. Following the colonoscopy, there may be slight abdominal distension which quickly improves with the expelling of gas. Most patients can resume their normal diet immediately after the procedure.
You will be able to return home and to drive immediately following colonoscopy if no sedation was given to you. If sedation was given, you will have to be accompanied home.
A gastroscopy is an investigation performed using a thin, flexible telescope. It is about as thick as a little finger. The endoscope is passed through thr mount, into the oesophagus and down towards the stomach and duodedenum.
The doctor can also take tiny biopsies during this test which can later be analysed in the laboratory. This is done painlessly.
This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.
Some of the possible symptoms and indications that may require a colonoscopy to be performed are:
- Recurring indigestion
- Recurring heartburn
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing
Local anaesthetic will be sprayed at the back of the throat. Mild sedation will be given to patient. This is usually given by an injection into a vein in the back of the hand.
Patient will be asked to lie on the side on a bed. Patients are asked to put a plastic mouth guard between the teeth. Air is passed down a channel in the endoscope into the stomach to make the stomach lining easier to see. This may cause you to feel full and want to belch. Biopsies of parts of the insude of the gut may be taken. A gastroscopy does not usually hurt and usually last about 10mins.
Patient should not eat for 4-6 hours before the test. The stomach needs to be empty.
Most patients are ready to go home after resting for half an hour or so.
Most gastroscopy can be done without any problem. Some people have a mild sore throat for a day or so afterwards.
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What is a colonoscopy?
