What is a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of
the large intestine (colon and rectum) is examined. A colonoscopy is commonly
used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal
bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also
performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or
cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years of age and
older, and for anyone with parents, siblings or children with a history of
colorectal cancer or polyps.
What happens before a colonoscopy
To complete a successful colonoscopy, the bowel must be clean so
that the physician can clearly view the colon. It is very important that you
read and follow all of the instructions given to you for your bowel preparation
well in advance of the procedure. Without proper preparation, the colonoscopy
will not be successful and the test may have to be repeated.
If you feel nauseated or vomit while taking the bowel
preparation, wait 30 minutes before drinking more fluid and start with small
sips of solution. Some activity (such as walking) or a few soda crackers may
help decrease the nausea you are feeling. If the nausea persists, please contact
your health care provider.
You may experience skin irritation around the anus due to the
passage of liquid stools. In order to prevent and treat skin irritation, you
should:
- Apply Vaseline or Desitin® ointment to the skin around the anus before
drinking the bowel preparation medications; these products can be purchased
at any drug store.
- Wipe the skin after each bowel movement with disposable wet wipes
instead of toilet paper. These are found in the toilet paper area of the
store.
- Sit in a bathtub filled with warm water for 10 to 15 minutes after you
finish passing a stool; after soaking, blot the skin dry with a soft cloth,
apply Vaseline or Desitin ointment to the anal area, and place a cotton ball
just outside your anus to absorb leaking fluid.
What happens during a colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, an experienced physician uses a
colonoscope (a long, flexible instrument about 1/2 inch in diameter) to view the
lining of the colon. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced
through the large intestine. If necessary during a colonoscopy, small amounts of
tissue can be removed for analysis (a biopsy) and polyps can be identified and
entirely removed. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and
treatment of colorectal problems without the need for a major operation.
- You are asked to wear a hospital gown and remove eyeglasses.
- You are given a pain reliever and a sedative intravenously (in your
vein); you will feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy.
- You will lie on the left side, with your knees drawn up towards your chest.
- A small amount of air is used to expand the colon so the physician can
see the colon walls.
- You may feel mild cramping during the procedure; cramping can be reduced
by taking slow, deep breaths.
- The colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the lining of your bowel is
carefully examined.
- The procedure lasts from 30 minutes to one hour.
What happens after a colonoscopy
- You will stay in a recovery room for observation until you are ready for
discharge.
- You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this
quickly passes.
- If medication has been given, a responsible adult must drive you home;
avoid alcohol, driving, and operating machinery for 24 hours following the
procedure.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may immediately resume your normal
diet, but we recommend you wait until the day after your procedure to resume
normal activities.
- If polyps were removed or a biopsy was taken, avoid taking aspirin,
products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen
[Advil®, Motrin®], naproxen [Naprosyn®] or indomethacin [Indocin®]) for two
(2) weeks after the procedure to help decrease the risk of bleeding; you may
take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) if needed.
- If you are taking Coumadin®, Plavix®, Ticlid®, or Agrylin®, the
physician performing your colonoscopy will advise you when it is safe to
resume your blood thinners.
- If a biopsy was taken or a polyp was removed, you may notice light
rectal bleeding for one to two days after the procedure; large amounts of
bleeding, the passage of clots, or abdominal pain should be immediately
reported.
If you are unable to keep your appointment or if you have any questions or concerns, please call the location at which you are having your procedure.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 5/20/2008...#4949
