A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is
an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum
. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
What can be diagnosed with a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies can detect conditions like
colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis
. But mainly, doctors are looking for precancerous or cancerous colon polyps, which are growths on the inside of the colon’s lining.
Why would you be referred for a colonoscopy?
Some of the reasons why you may need a colonoscopy are:
to help find the cause of bowel symptoms
.
to look for early signs of bowel cancer as part of the national bowel cancer screening programme
. to look for early signs of bowel cancer if you are at high risk of developing bowel cancer.
How long will it take to recover from a colonoscopy?
Recovery from a colonoscopy is straightforward and lasts
about a day
. To aid in healing, it’s important to adhere to any post-procedural instructions you are given, which often include resting, drinking lots of fluids, and avoiding driving for the first 24 hours.
How long will I be on the toilet for colonoscopy prep?
In most cases, the colonoscopy procedure takes less than an hour, and your doctor will keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible. On the other hand, a good bowel flush can take
about 16 hours
, and your doctor will not be there to help you. This is the part of the colonoscopy preparation that most people dread.
Who should not have a colonoscopy?
Q. Is there anyone who should not have the procedure? Colonoscopy is not recommended in pregnant patients,
patients 75 years or older
, patients with limited life expectancy, or in patients with severe medical problems making them high risk for sedation.
Do you get results immediately after a colonoscopy?
You should
get a letter or a call with your results 2 to 3 weeks after a colonoscopy
. If a GP sent you for the test, they should also get a copy of your results – call the hospital if you have not heard anything after 3 weeks.
Do they put you to sleep for a colonoscopy?
Does a colonoscopy hurt? Almost all colonoscopies in the United States are performed with patients under a level of sedation or anesthesia that prevents them from feeling anything.
Often, patients are asleep for the entire procedure
.
When should a female get a colonoscopy?
When to get a colonoscopy:
The American Cancer Society recommends people of average risk begin screening
at age 45
. After your initial screening, most people will not need another colonoscopy for 10 years.
How long are you asleep for a colonoscopy?
However, such complications are uncommon. Colonoscopy takes
30 to 60 minutes
. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the physician’s office for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off.
Is it normal to feel tired the day after a colonoscopy?
You will probably feel a bit tired or groggy
even then, so you cannot drive yourself home. Your doctor will not release you unless there is someone there to bring you home. The effects of the sedation could last up to a day, so you should not drive or operate any machinery until the following day.
How bad is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a
safe procedure
. But occasionally it can cause heavy bleeding, tears in the colon, inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon known as diverticulitis, severe abdominal pain, and problems in people with heart or blood- vessel disease.
What if I poop during colonoscopy?
This could be some left over fluids from water we use to rinse out areas of the colon or it could be loose stool. Your bowel movements should return to
whatever is normal for you
in the following one to five days.
What happens if I don’t finish my colonoscopy prep?
If you can’t finish the bowel prep,
let the doctor’s office know
. Better to cancel and reschedule the appointment than to have an incomplete colonoscopy because your colon wasn’t empty.
What can go wrong after a colonoscopy?
- Severe pain or cramping in your belly.
- A hard belly.
- Trouble passing gas or pooping.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Vomiting.
- Frequent or severely bloody bowel movements.
- Rectal bleeding that won’t stop, or bleeding more than a couple of tablespoons.
At what age is a colonoscopy no longer necessary?
The USPSTF says screening colonoscopies should be performed on a case-by-case basis for people between the ages of 76 and 85, and it recommends
no screening for people over age 85
. The benefit of early cancer detection in very old people is offset by the risk of complications.
