Colonoscopy

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KEY POINTS

• A colonoscopy is an exam of your large intestine, also called the colon, with a thin, flexible, lighted tube and tiny camera. This scope is put through your rectum and into your large intestine.
• A colonoscopy is used to check for growths or cancer, or to find the cause of symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or other problems in your intestines.
• You will be given instructions for clearing bowel movements from your intestines. Be sure to complete the bowel preparation as instructed, including what types of food and drink you can have in the days leading up to the procedure.

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What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exam of your large intestine, also called the colon, with a thin, flexible, lighted tube and tiny camera. This scope is put through your rectum and into your large intestine.

When is it used?

Colonoscopy is the most direct and complete way to check the entire lining of the colon. It is usually done for one of the following reasons:

• Prevention and early detection of cancer. A colonoscopy can help your healthcare provider find growths (polyps) that might become cancer. The growths can then be removed before they become cancer. It can also help find colon cancer early, when the cancer is easier to cure.

  If you are 50 to 75 years old, your healthcare provider may recommend that you have a screening colonoscopy at least every 10 years. If you have a personal or family history that increases your risk of colon or rectal cancer, your provider may recommend that you start having the test at an earlier age and have the test more often. In some cases, the test may be recommended for people older than 75. People who are African-American may have a screening colonoscopy at age 45.

• Diagnosis of illness. If you have symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, losing weight without trying to, or intestinal problems, you may have this test to try to find the cause of your symptoms.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• You will be given instructions for clearing bowel movements from your intestines. Be sure to complete the bowel preparation as instructed, including what types of food and drink you can have in the days leading up to the procedure. The exam may not be done or may have to be repeated if your intestine still has bowel movement in it. Medicines used to prepare for this procedure will cause you to have several watery bowel movements until only clear movements occur. Stay close to the bathroom after you take the medicine. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about other symptoms you might have.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during this procedure?

This procedure may be done in the healthcare provider's office, outpatient clinic, or hospital.

Before the procedure you will be given medicine to help you relax, but you may be awake during the procedure.

You will lie on a table on your side with your knees bent and drawn up to your stomach. Your healthcare provider will pass the scope through your rectum and into your lower intestine and view the images of your intestines on a computer screen. Small amounts of air will be passed into your intestines so your provider can see as much of the area as possible.

If your provider sees anything abnormal during the exam, he or she may take small samples of tissue through the scope for lab tests. This is called a biopsy. Your provider may be able to remove polyps or small tumors through the scope.

What happens after this procedure?

After the procedure, you may stay in a recovery area until you are awake and alert enough to be driven home. It is normal to have gas and mild cramps for a few hours after the exam. This will last until your body passes the extra air. If polyps or other tissue is removed, you may see a small amount of blood in your bowel movements for a short time.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection or bleeding.
• Other parts of your body may be injured during the procedure.

Ask your healthcare provider how the risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.