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Colonoscopy Procedure

By: Aeronx Mc Mall

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Colonoscopy is the surgical procedure of looking inside the colon and the distal part of the small bowel by using a fiber optic or CCD camera on a flexible tube which is sent through the anus. The procedure is used to examine gastrointestinal symptoms like rectal and intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, irregularity discovered on colon x- ray or a CT scan or discomfort in the abdominal cavity.

The procedure of colonoscopy requires that the colon must be free of any solid matter so the doctor can clearly see the intestines so the test can be performed properly. To empty the colon requires a three day procedure of cleaning, the first day requires the patient to follow a low fiber or clear liquid only diet, which utilizes liquids like water, apple juice, lemonade, lemon-lime soda for flushing. Hydration is key during this procedure. Persons should avoid eating prune, orange juice, milk and other liquids that are dyed such as purple, orange with the exception of cola and in some cases black coffee.

On the day prior the colonoscopy procedure, the patient is given a laxative in the form of tablets or phospho soda, sodium picosulfate or magnesium citrate along with large quantities of water in order to promote bowel movement. In some cases a mixture of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes are given to flush the digestive system. On this day the person will more likely stay home so they can always access the toilet facilities.

On the day of the colonoscopy procedure, Patients are provided with pain relievers and a sedative to help them to relax. The patient will be required to wear a hospital gown and will go through a digital rectal examination which examines the tone of the circular muscles to make sure that the colon is clean. Persons are asked to lie on the left side with their knees placed into the chest, then a small amount of air is then used to open up the colon so the doctor can see the colon walls. During a colonoscopy the doctor uses a long, flexible instrument to view the walls of the colon. The colonoscope is entered into the rectum and then advanced into the large intestines.

During the procedure, persons may feel a mild cramping that can be reduced by taking deep breaths. Sometimes small amounts of tissue are taken out for testing called biopsy. This is done in order to diagnose and treat problems that may be identified without the need for major operation surgical procedure. At the end of the procedure, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while the walls is carefully inspected. This progression will usually last about thrity minutes.
After the colonoscopy is over, patients may be filled with gas and will be required to stay in the recovery room to be further examined. When the patient is now able to leave they will be advised as to when they can continue their usual diet. In most cases, the colonoscopy procedure has a very low chances of developing serious complications. The most serious complication would be a hole in the walls of the colon which is a pemetration of the stomach wall which can be fatal and requires immediate major surgery for repair. This occurrence though happens only once in every 2000 colonoscopies.

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