A whole lot of people avoid, put off, and just down right
refuse getting a colonoscopy. Especially if they don’t have
any gastrointestinal issues, chronic belly pain, or change in
bowel habits. But let me tell you, better to “suffer” the
colonoscopy and know for sure and early than to wait and
find out late.

What is a Colonoscopy?
     The term “colonoscopy” means looking inside the colon. A colonoscopy is an
examination of the lining of the colon with a lighted, flexible tube about the
thickness of your finger. Colonoscopy is the most direct and complete way to see the
entire lining of the colon. It is usually done for one of the following reasons:

• Prevention and early detection of cancer. If you are between 50 and 80 years
  old, your primary physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant may
  recommend that you have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years. If you have
  a personal or family history that increases your risk, she or he may
  recommend that you start having the test at an earlier age and have the test
  more often. Using colonoscopy, Dr. WeirCox can find and remove growths
  (polyps) before they become cancerous. It can also allow her to detect
  cancerous growths early, when the cancer is easier to cure.

• Diagnosis of illness. If you have symptoms of illness that your primary
  physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant has not been able to
  explain, you may have this procedure to try to find the cause of your
  symptoms. For example, you may be having unexplained abdominal pain or
  abnormal bowel movements. Dr. WeirCox can check for inflammation of the
  bowel lining or infected pockets (diverticula) in the bowel wall.

     The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive or GI tract. It starts at
the cecum, which attaches to the end of the small intestine, and it ends at the
rectum and anus. The colon is a hollow tube, about five feet long, and its main
function is to store unabsorbed food products and absorb water from them prior to
their elimination.

     The main instrument that is used to look inside the colon is the colonoscope, which
is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By
adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, Dr. WeirCox can carefully guide
the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high quality
picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and gives a clear, detailed
view.

     Colonoscopy is more precise than an X-ray. This procedure also allows other
instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for
example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy-a
small piece for further analysis. In this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery
or to better define what type of surgery may need to be done.

     A shorter version of the colonoscope is called a sigmoidoscope, an instrument used
to screen the lower part of the large bowel only. The colonoscope, however, is long
enough to inspect all of the large bowel and even part of the small intestine.
Colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to evaluate problems such as blood loss,
pain, and changes in bowel habits such as chronic diarrhea or abnormalities that
may have first been detected by other tests. Colonoscopy can also identify and treat
active bleeding from the bowel.

     Colonoscopy is also an important way to check for colon cancer and to treat colon
polyps – abnormal growths on the inside lining of the intestine. Polyps vary in size
and shape and, while most are not cancerous, some may turn into cancer. However,
it is not possible to tell just by looking at a polyp if it is malignant or potentially
malignant. This is why colonoscopy is often used to remove polyps, a technique
called a polypectomy.

How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
     There are important steps that you must take to prepare for the procedure. First, be
prepared to give a complete list of all the medicines you are taking, as well as any
allergies you have to drugs or other substances. Your medical team will also want to
know if you have any other medical conditions that may need special attention
before, during, or after the colonoscopy.

     You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and
should not do in preparation for colonoscopy. Be sure to read and follow these
instructions. One very critical step is to thoroughly clean out the colon, which, for
many patients, can be the most trying part of the entire exam. It is essential that
you complete this step carefully, because how well the bowel is emptied determines
the success of the procedure.

     Various methods can be used to help cleanse the bowel. Often, a liquid preparation
designed to stimulate bowel movements is given by mouth, which may cause
bloating. Other laxative preparations and enemas may also be used.  Whatever
method or combination of methods that is recommended for you, be sure to follow
instructions as directed.

     And remember, you should not consume anything within eight to ten hours before
your colonoscopy.

     Colonoscopy can be done in either a hospital or outpatient setting. You’ll be asked
to sign a form that gives your consent to the procedure and states that you
understand what is involved. If there is anything you don’t understand, ask for more
information.

What Can You Expect During a Colonoscopy?
     During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure your comfort. An
intravenous, or IV, line will be inserted to give you medication to make you relaxed
and drowsy. The drug will enable you to be easily aroused and cooperative, but it
may prevent you from remembering much of the experience.

     Once you are fully relaxed, your doctor will do a rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated
finger; then the lubricated colonoscope will be gently inserted.

     As the scope is slowly and carefully passed, you may feel as if you need to move
your bowels, and because air is introduced to help advance the scope, you may feel
some cramping or fullness. Generally, however, there is little or no discomfort.

What are the Possible Complications from a Colonoscopy?
     Although colonoscopy is a safe procedure, complications can sometimes occur. These
include perforation – a puncture of the colon walls, which could require surgical repair.

     When polyp removal or biopsy is performed, hemorrhage (heavy bleeding) may
result and sometimes require blood transfusion or reinsertion of the colonoscope to
control the bleeding. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about
the procedure with your doctor.

     The time needed for colonoscopy will vary, but on the average, the procedure takes
about 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be cared for in a recovery area until the effects
of the medication have worn off. At this time, your doctor will inform you about the
results of your colonoscopy and provide any additional information that you need to
know. You’ll also be given instructions about how soon you can eat and drink, plus
other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.

What Can You Expect After Your Colonoscopy?
     Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as bloating, gas, or mild cramping.
These symptoms should disappear in 24 hours or less. By the time you’re ready to
go home, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, rest for the remainder of
the day. Have a family member or friend take you home.

     A day or so after you’re home, you might speak with a member of the colonoscopy
team for follow-up, or you may have questions you want to ask the doctor directly.