Colonoscopy is an exam of the large intestine that is done with a thin, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope.

This exam helps us to see directly and completely the entire lining of the colon from the anus to the final portion of the small intestine (ileum).

 

It is generally performed with the patient superficially anesthetized.

Today, colonoscopy is considered the best study for reviewing the mucosa of the entire colon. This study should be carried out when there is suspicion that the symptoms come from this organ; or when it comes to clinical check-ups to detect polyps or early colon cancers that, generally, do not give symptoms in early stages.

If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for study and even perform procedures to control bleeding, remove early cancers or polyps, dilation of narrow areas, etc. For the procedure, the colon must be free of fecal matter that could interfere with adequate visualization.

The patient is prepared with a special diet and with a laxative solution that will be taken the day before the study. You are asked to sign a consent and authorization form for the study. You may be told to stop taking anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications one week before the exam. In most cases, an IV is inserted into the arm to administer medication and/or sedatives during the procedure.

During the study you will not feel any discomfort. The exam lasts approximately 10 to 30 minutes. There are limitations of the study, such as when there is a narrowing that prevents the passage of the device itself or when the lesion is located in a region that is difficult to review.

Complications with this procedure are very rare, but they can occur occasionally and mainly consist of infection, perforation, and bleeding.

When therapeutic procedures are performed, complications increase a little, although they are low anyway. In this case, the main complication is bleeding that can occur during the same study or hours later. Perforation is possible, as well as infection.

Any of these complications may require transfusions, antibiotics and, rarely, surgery. Complications of anesthesia itself can also occur.

After the endoscopy, you are in recovery for about 60 minutes. You may feel sleepy and a little dizzy, this feeling gradually disappears.

In any case, it is suggested not to have important work activities, drive or carry out any other potentially dangerous activity in the next 6 hours, so you must attend accompanied by an adult. At the abdominal level, you may feel a slight distension or even pain, like colic, discomfort that is usually secondary to the presence of residual gas in the colon. The discomfort goes away as you pass the gas. If the pain persists you should notify your doctor immediately.

Our group uses CO2 for insufflation, which decreases the post-procedure feeling of distension.