Colonoscopy

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What Is a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy  is a camera examination of the entire colon entire colon. A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (an endoscope) is gently inserted through the anus. Images are transmitted to a monitor, allowing your physician to:

• Visualise the lining of your lower digestive tract
• Biopsy suspicious areas
• Remove polyps or other small growths

There are two types of camera examinations commonly performed of the colon: flexible sigmoidoscopy (to examined the last 1-2 feet of the colon) vs colonoscopy

Why It’s Performed (Indications)

You may need a colonoscopy in the following scenarios:

• Evaluation of symptoms
      – Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
      – Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
      – Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
      – Iron-deficiency anemia
• Surveillance of known conditions
      – Previous colon polyps or colorectal cancer
      – Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
• Follow‑up after abnormal imaging or lab tests
      – Positive faecal immunochemical test (FIT: stool-based test for blood–      Abnormal CT or MRI findings

Benefits of Endoscopic Examination

• Early Detection of Cancer & Precancerous Polyps
      Remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
• Accurate Diagnosis
      Directly visualize bowel disease; obtain tissue samples for definitive diagnosis      with pathology confirmation.
• Peace of Mind
      Clear answers about the cause of your symptoms.

What to Expect: Preparation & Procedure

Bowel Preparation

A clean colon is essential. Your preparation of your bowel will require:

1. Clear‑liquid diet (1–2 days before)
2. Bowel prep solution (laxative drink) the evening before and/or morning of
3. Hydration with clear fluids up until a few hours prior

Follow instructions closely—an incomplete prep can delay or prevent a successful exam.

Day‑of Procedure

• Arrival: Check in at the Spire endoscopy unit.
• Sedation:
  • Sigmoidoscopy often uses light sedation or none at all.
  • Colonoscopy typically uses moderate to deep sedation (you’ll be drowsy or asleep).
• Duration:
  • Sigmoidoscopy:       ~10–15 minutes
  • Colonoscopy:       ~20–45 minutes
• During      the exam:
  • You lie on your side.
  • The endoscope is advanced slowly; air or carbon dioxide is gently insufflated       to improve visibility.
  • You may feel mild cramping or pressure.

Recovery & Results

• Recovery time: 30 minutes to 1 hour in the recovery area.
• Discharge:     You’ll need someone to drive you home if sedated.
• Results discussion:
  • Immediate feedback on whether polyps or other findings were removed.
  • Biopsy results take 1–2 weeks; Mr D’Souza will follow up with you.

    

Risks & Safety

Lower GI endoscopy is very safe, but as with any procedure, there are small risks:

• Bleeding      (especially after polyp removal)
• Perforation      (tear) of the bowel wall (< 0.03 %)
• Adverse      reaction to sedation
• Temporary      abdominal discomfort or bloating

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need someone with me?
Yes—if you receive sedation, you cannot drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.

Q: Will it hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Sedation makes the exam well‑tolerated.

Q: How often should I have a colonoscopy?
For average‑risk individuals with a normal exam, every 10 years starting at age 45–50. High‑risk or polyp history may require more frequent exams.