Diagnostic colonoscopy is an examination of the internal part of the large intestine to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. It can help in treating colon cancer and preventing it. What does colonoscopy entail? Here are the details on how colonoscopy works, patient preparation, and the benefits and risks of the procedure.
What is the Diagnostic colonoscopy?
The colonoscopy procedure involves examining the colon or the internal part of the large intestine, including the colon, rectum, and anus. It is a type of internal endoscopy that utilizes a flexible tube with a lighted camera at its end, inserted into the body. The diagnostic colonoscope passes through the rectum and the rectum to the colon, sending images of the internal part of the large intestine to the screen.
Colon Examination
The risk of developing colon and rectal cancer increases with age, and that’s why it’s essential to undergo colon examination before the age of 45, especially with risk factors.
Colon and rectal cancer usually show no symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Therefore, it’s crucial to perform a colonoscopy if:
- The person is over 45 years old.
- There is a family history of colon and rectal cancer.
- You have a genetic disease that increases your risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.
- Inflammatory bowel disease is present.
Uses of Diagnostic colonoscopy
Colonoscopy provides a better view of the large intestine compared to other imaging tests that do not enter the body. Your doctor may recommend colonoscopy to investigate the cause of symptoms or confirm suspicions.
Sometimes the doctor may need to take tissue samples for microscopic examination for diagnosis, and this can be done during colonoscopy.
Symptoms that may require colonoscopy diagnostic include:
- Rectal bleeding or discharge.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Persistent abdominal pain without clear causes.
- Unexplained weight loss or inadequate weight gain in children.
Diseases or conditions that colonoscopy can help detect include
- Chronic colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- Diverticula.
- Ulcers.
- Colonic obstructions.
- Benign or cancerous tumors in the colon and rectum.
Preparation for Diagnostic colonoscopy and Patient Preparation
Preparation and patient preparation before colonoscopy are crucial for the success of the procedure. There are detailed instructions to be followed in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.
The purpose of these preparations is to ensure that the large intestine is as clean and clear as possible for the colon examination.
- Adjust your diet a few days before the colonoscopy.
- Follow a low-fiber diet for two or three days, followed by a liquid diet on the last day.
- In the afternoon or evening before the diagnostic colonoscopy, you will take a laxative solution to cleanse your intestines.
Colonoscopy is usually performed on the morning of the next day.
Steps and Procedure of Diagnostic colonoscopy
- Colonoscopy consists of a small illuminated camera connected to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope.
- The doctor inserts the colonoscope through the rectum and gently advances it through the colon to the end, where it meets the small intestine.
- As the scope progresses, air is pumped into the colon to expand it. The video camera inside the colonoscope transmits images of the internal part of the large intestine to the screen.
- The doctor monitors the screen for any abnormalities.
- The colonoscopy procedure takes about 15 minutes to reach the end of the large intestine and another 15 minutes to return it.
In this way, the doctor examines the entire large intestine twice.
If the doctor finds anything during the colonoscopy that needs to be removed or treated, this may add some time.
Common findings during colonoscopy include colon polyps, which appear in about 30% of routine colonoscopy procedures. While most are benign, they need to be removed.
Post Diagnostic colonoscopy
It takes about 24 hours for the anesthesia to wear off completely after the colonoscopy. You may experience some gas pains, bloating, or nausea in the first hour or two.
You can return to your normal diet after a few hours.
If the doctor removes tissues, there may be slight rectal bleeding for a few days.
Complications and Risks of Diagnostic colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is generally safe, and complications requiring concern are rare. Common side effects that may occur after colonoscopy include:
- Feeling bloated or cramping, usually due to the use of air by the doctor to provide better visibility. This feeling may last for a couple of days after the procedure.
- Traces of blood may appear during bowel movements due to taking samples from the appendix for accurate examination.
Serious complications are rare and may include:
- Surgical site infection or hypersensitivity to the drugs used.
- Intestinal perforation, although it rarely occurs.
- Severe dehydration, which is rare.
Most cases do not result in complications, and the experience remains safe and effective for diagnosing and treating colon problems.
Can Women Undergo Diagnostic colonoscopy?
There is no barrier preventing women from undergoing colonoscopy if recommended by the doctor. The menstrual cycle does not affect the possibility of undergoing colonoscopy, but women may need to take some precautions.
Pregnant women should consult their obstetrician before undergoing colonoscopy, and the doctor may recommend delaying the examination until after childbirth, even though the procedure is often safe.
Does Diagnostic colonoscopy Require Anesthesia?
Usually, colonoscopy is performed under the influence of sedative medications. However, in some cases, the doctor may decide to use general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s safety. General anesthesia is considered a possible option for some cases.
How Long Does the Colonoscopy Procedure Take?
Colonoscopy takes between 15 to 60 minutes. However, about 2-3 hours are allocated for patient preparation before colonoscopy. Additionally, enough time is provided for recovery after the procedure.
Is Diagnostic colonoscopy Painful?
Colonoscopy does not cause pain, but the patient may feel pressure during the insertion and movement of the scope inside the intestines. The patient may also experience abdominal pain and bloating; however, these symptoms usually disappear after the release of gas from the abdomen.
Where Can I Undergo Diagnostic colonoscopy?
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is considered the best doctor for performing Diagnostic colonoscopy as he is a hepatology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy consultant, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie currently works as a lecturer in general internal medicine, hepatology, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo. He actively participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding colon examination and the latest diagnostic and treatment methods.