Colonoscopy is a medical procedure that involves examining the inner lining of the colon or large intestine using a long, flexible tube with a camera and light source at its tip.

Colonoscopy is done to diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal disorders or cancer. It’s also a crucial screening tool for colon cancer, especially for individuals aged 50 and above. Here is a step-by-step guide to understanding the colonoscopy procedure:.

Preparing for Colonoscopy

Before the colonoscopy procedure, you’ll need to prepare your bowel by following specific instructions provided by your doctor. Typically, you’ll be required to:.

Follow a clear liquid diet for 24 hours before the procedure.
Take bowel prep medication to empty your colon. This medication may come in a liquid form, pills, or a combination of both. You’ll need to take this medication one or two days before the procedure day.
Stop taking certain medications that may irritate the lining of your colon or increase the risk of bleeding. These medications include blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure since you’ll be sedated during the examination.

The Procedure

The colonoscopy procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting, and it typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Here are the steps involved in the procedure:.

Step 1: Sedation

The patient will first be given a sedative to help them relax and feel comfortable during the procedure. The sedative is administered through an intravenous line (IV) placed in the arm or hand.

The sedation dosage will depend on the patient’s body size, health, and the complexity of the procedure. The patient will remain conscious during the procedure but may not remember it afterward.

Step 2: Insertion of Colonoscope

After the sedative takes effect, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the anus and gently move it through the rectum and colon. The colonoscope is a long, flexible tube that’s about half an inch in diameter.

The device has a camera and light source that allow the doctor to see the inner lining of the colon on a monitor in real-time.

Step 3: Inflation of Colon

As the colonoscope moves through the colon, the doctor will also use air or carbon dioxide gas to inflate the colon.

Inflating the colon allows the doctor to have a clear view of the colon walls and will allow the scope to move forward without causing pain or harm to the colon. Patients may experience some discomfort from the gas distension.

Step 4: Examination of Colon

The doctor will examine the colon as the colonoscope moves through it. The camera at the tip of the scope captures images of the inner lining, and these images are displayed on the monitor for the doctor to see.

The doctor will look for any signs of inflammation, polyps, ulcers, or other abnormalities that may require further evaluation or treatment.

Step 5: Biopsy and Polyp Removal

If the doctor identifies any suspicious areas during the examination, they may take tissue samples or biopsies using tiny instruments passed through the colonoscope.

Biopsies are done to evaluate abnormal tissues or to diagnose cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. If the doctor detects any polyps during the examination, they may remove them from the colon lining using specialized tools. The polyp tissue may also be sent for further evaluation to check for cancerous cells.

You will not feel the polyp’s removal, and bleeding may be seen following the procedure.

Step 6: Completion of the Procedure

Once the examination is complete, the doctor will slowly and gently remove the colonoscope from the colon. This typically takes a few minutes, and the patient may feel some slight discomfort during the removal.

Your doctor may provide you with preliminary results after the colonoscopy if no biopsy or polyp was removed, the final report is usually ready after biopsy or polyp histology.

After the Procedure

After the colonoscopy procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area to rest for a while as the sedative wears off. You may feel cramping, gas, and bloating after the procedure, but these symptoms should disappear soon.

You may also pass gas frequently and have some rectal bleeding for a day or two. However, if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or persistent bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Colonoscopy is an essential diagnostic and screening tool that can help identify and prevent colon cancer. Understanding the procedure can help you prepare better for it and know what to expect during and after the procedure.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions for bowel prep and medication intake and inform them of any medications you’re taking. Regular colonoscopy screening is important, especially for individuals aged 50 and above or those at high risk for colon cancer.