Why Your Doctor Recommends A Colonoscopy Test? Everything You Should Know

Abstract

Colonoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a flexible endoscope to examine the large intestine (colon) for abnormalities, colonoscopy can be useful in various things like doing a biopsy, removing polyps or other lesions, for diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic intervention by detection, for screening and early detection of colorectal cancers, however proper bowel preparation and skilled endoscopic technique are crucial for optimal visualization and accurate diagnosis.

Introduction

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses a flexible tube called a colonoscope, equipped with a tiny camera and light at its tip, to examine the inside of the rectum and entire colon (Large intestine) by inserting it through the anus, allowing them to visualize the lining of the colon for abnormalities like polyp, ulcers or sign of cancer, and if necessary, to remove tissue samples (biopsy) or even small polyps during the procedure itself, this is typically done with the patient lightly sedated to minimize discomfort. There are some specific instruments used with some access points.

What Is The Importance Of Colonoscopy?

There are multiple uses of colonoscopy which allows the doctor to see the condition of the colon lining, the presence of any cancerous cells, polyps, abscesses, ulcerations, and any signs of internal bleeding. It’s important because through colonoscopy a doctor can early detect any diseases, or cancer, or can do a biopsy. To see the inner lining of the colon.

What Does It Diagnose?

Colonoscopy is used to diagnose multiple medical conditions like gastrointestinal hemorrhage, no specific reason in bowel habit, and suspicion of malignancy, also can diagnose colon polyp and colon cancer, frequently used to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases. Colonoscopy is commonly indicated for iron deficiency with or without anemia, where examination of the colon, to rule out a lesion causing blood loss. It helps in diagnosing hemorrhoids, IBD, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

When Colonoscopy Is Recommended?

Colonoscopy is advised for several reasons:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening – Colonoscopy is advised if there is a possibility of the presence of any cancerous cells, any abscess or any abnormal growth in the colon, sigmoid colon, or rectum part of the large intestine.
• Investigate Symptoms – Helps to see the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, and other issues in the large intestine.
• Further Evaluation – Colonoscopy helps in the evaluation of the type of disease and cause of the disease, like polyps, diverticulitis, tumors, and foreign objects.
• For Treatment – Colonoscopy can also be used to treat issues like placing a stent removing an object from the colon, or polyp removals.
• Another type of colonoscopy is virtual colonoscopy also called screening CT colonoscopy which means it can provide a complete picture of the colon but can’t remove polyps during the test.

Examining Which Body Part In Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure involving the endoscope examination of the large intestine (colon), which can include the anus, rectum, sigmoid colon, and distal part of the small bowel.

Preparation To Be Done Or Preoperative Measures

The patient is likely administered MAC (Monitored anesthesia care) through deep IV sedation (Intravenous). The patient is advised to take laxatives to empty the patient’s bowel, sometimes if the bowel is not clear the anemia is given through the anal region, and if after anemia there is no proper evacuation then pegleg powder or water before colonoscopy. If the patient was under general anesthesia, he might feel confused, and groggy after waking up.

Procedure

The patient is advised to take laxatives to empty the patient’s bowel, sometimes if the bowel is not clear the anemia is given through the anal region, and if after anemia there is no proper evacuation then pegleg powder or water before colonoscopy. During the procedure patient is advised to lie down on the exam table while the doctor inserts a colonoscope through the anus and rectum, Colonoscop has a camera that sends images to a monitor where the doctor examines the colon, the doctor will inflate the colon with air or carbon dioxide to straighten the folds and make it easier to see by the camera to examine the colon lining, remove polyps, or take tissue samples.

Complications After The Procedure

The complications after the procedure are rare but sometimes, if the patient is under general anesthesia, he/she might feel confused, and groggy after waking up a few complications are seen that can be:

• Bleeding – In polyp removal or biopsy there can be bleeding from the site. Sometimes delayed bleeding and after the procedure passing stool the first time,  minor bleeding can be severe.
• Perforation – A tear in the colon or rectum wall or the sigmoid colon that may allow intestinal fluids to leak.
• Reaction To Sedation – Feeling gaggy, confused, and shaky when the patient wakes up, some response to the medication used as anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient can experience gas, bloating, cramping, or nausea. Other complications include vomiting or rectal irritation.
• Approximate Cost – The cost of a colonoscopy varies according to the location, city, and facility where the patient is going for the procedure. Colonoscopy cost in India is between Rs 2,600 and 12,000.

Conclusion

Here we have discussed the procedure called Colonoscopy, what is the real importance of colonoscopy to a person and its uses, and how much it costs. Colonoscopy is the safer way to diagnose different diseases, inflammation in the colon, and any examination required for the colon. It’s used in many examinations and for some procedures and it’s not a very painful procedure also, with an affordable amount.