The large intestine, or colon, has four sections:
- ascending colon - extends upward on the right side of the abdomen
- transverse colon - extends from the ascending colon across the body to the left side
- descending colon - extends from the transverse colon downward on the left side
- sigmoid colon - named because of its S-shape; extends from the descending colon to the rectum
The rectum joins the anus, or the opening where waste matter passes out of the body.
Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines for early detection from the American Cancer Society recommend that beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of the examination schedules below:
- annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years
- FOBT or FIT every year
- FSIG every five years
- double-contrast barium enema every five years
- colonoscopy every 10 years
Persons with any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors should begin screening procedures at an earlier age and be screened more often:
- strong family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps in a first-degree relative, in a parent or sibling before the age of 60 or in two first-degree relatives of any age
- family with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
- personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Reasons for the procedure
A colonoscopy may be used to examine colon polyps, tumors, ulceration, inflammation, diverticula (pouches), strictures (narrowing), and foreign objects within the colon. It may also be used to determine the cause of unexplained chronic diarrhea or gastrointestinal bleeding or to evaluate the colon after cancer treatment.
Colonoscopy may be indicated when the results of a barium enema and/or sigmoidoscopy warrant further examination of the colon.
There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a colonoscopy.
Risks of the procedure
As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Complications related to colonoscopy include, but are not limited to, the following:
- persistent bleeding after biopsy or polyp removal
- peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity)
- perforation of the intestinal wall (rare)'
- nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation caused by the bowel cleanse prep and/or procedure
- adverse reaction to the sedative or pain medication
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a colonoscopy. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- use of soap suds enemas prior to the procedure, which irritate the lining of the mucosa
- presence of barium from previous tests used to examine the colon (such as a barium enema)
- inadequate preparation of the bowel before the procedure
- problems which may interfere with the passage of the colonoscope, such as narrowing of the colon, surgical adhesions, or disease such as chronic inflammatory disease
Before the procedure
- Your physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
- You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You may be given additional instructions about a special diet for one to two days prior to the procedure.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your physician.
- Notify your physician if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medications, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents (local and general).
- Notify your physician of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
- Notify your physician if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure.
- Your physician will instruct you about specific ways to prepare your bowel for the test. You may be asked to take a laxative, undergo an enema, use a rectal laxative suppository, and/or drink a special fluid that helps prepare your bowel.
- Patients with diseases of the heart valves may be given antibiotics before the procedure.
- A sedative and pain medication will be given to provide relaxation and drowsiness before the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home afterward.
- Based upon your medical condition, your physician may request other specific preparation.
During the procedure
A colonoscopy may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician's practices.
Generally, the colonoscopy follows this process:
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
- You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. For the procedure, you will be draped appropriately.
- An intravenous (IV) line may be inserted in your arm or hand. A sedative and/or pain medication may be injected into the IV.
- Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure.
- You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees bent towards your chest.
- The lubricated colonoscope will be slowly inserted into the anus and gently advanced into the rectum and colon. The colonoscope and air inserted in the colon may cause mild pain, pressure, and/or cramping, although the sedative and pain medication should lessen the discomfort.
- You may be asked to take slow, deep breaths while the tube is being inserted to relax the abdominal muscles and decrease the discomfort. You may also be asked to change your position slightly to aid the passage of the colonoscope.
- Air may be injected into the bowel to aid visualization. During this process, air will escape around the instrument. You should not try to hold the air in. In addition, a water jet may be used to cleanse the lining of the colon and a suction device may be used to remove blood and liquid feces.
- The physician will examine the colon and may take photographs. If a polyp is seen, it may be removed, biopsied, or left alone until a subsequent operation is performed.
- After the procedure has been completed, the colonoscope will be removed.
After the procedure
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Your recovery process will vary depending upon the type of sedation that is given. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home. Colonoscopy is usually done on an outpatient basis.
You may be asked to fast for a few hours and avoid foods high in fiber content for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
You may experience flatulence (passing of gas) and gas pains after the procedure. This is normal. Walking and moving about may help to ease any discomfort.
The first bowel movement after a colonoscopy may contain dark red or maroon-colored blood clots.
Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours after sedation. You may be encouraged to drink extra fluids to make up for the water lost during preparation for the procedure.
Notify your physician about any of the following:
- fever and/or chills
- frequent bloody stools
- abdominal pain and/or bloating
- inability to pass gas
Following a colonoscopy, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
Transportation after the procedure
You will not be able to drive following the procedure, so plan on having someone with you to take you home.
Online Resources
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