Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is performed to analyze the state of the colon. The colon is sometimes called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is the part of the gut which comes after the small intestine. The last part of the colon leads into the rectum where feces are stored before being passed out from the anus.
A colonoscope is a thin, flexible, telescope which is passed through the anus and into the colon. It can be pushed all the way round the colon as far as the caecum (where the small and large intestine meet). The colonoscope contains fiber optic channels which allows light to shine down so the operator can see inside your colon. The colonoscope also has a ’side channel’ down which devices can pass, for example, to take a biopsy.
A colonoscopy may be advised if you have symptoms such as bleeding from the anus, pains in the lower abdomen, persistent diarrhea, or other symptoms thought to be coming from the colon. The sorts of conditions which can be confirmed include:
- Ulcerative colitis (which causes inflammation of the colon).
- Crohn’s disease (also causes inflammation of the colon).
- Diverticula (pouches which form in the lining of the colon).
- Polyps of the colon.
- Cancer of the colon.
Various other conditions may also be detected. Also, often a colonoscopy is normal. However, a normal result may help to rule-out certain possible causes of your symptoms.
The colon needs to be empty so that the operator can get a clear view. You will be instructed on how to take a special diet for a few days before the test. Also, before the test you will be given some laxatives to take.
A colonoscopy is a routine test which is commonly done, and takes about 20-30 minutes. You may feel tired or sleepy for several hours afterwards caused by the sedative. You may pass a small amount of blood from your anus if a biopsy was taken, or a polyp was removed. Most colonoscopies are done without any problem.
