Colonoscopy

Before a colonoscopy, do not eat or drink(even water) anything for at least 5-6 hours.

You are allowed to take your regular morning doses of medicines for high blood pressure & thyroid problems. However, morning medicines/insulin for diabetes should not be taken, as you will be fasting.

The colon needs to be cleaned out before a colonoscopy. Your doctor will provide you a special drink that causes watery diarrhoea. It is important to drink all of it to make sure your colon is clean. If your colon is clean your doctor will get a better look at the inside lining of the colon. A clean colon also makes the test easier to do and more comfortable. Let your doctor know if you have trouble getting ready for your colonoscopy.

On the day of your procedure:

• The procedure will be performed by an experienced doctor.
• You should hand-over your belongings e.g. wallet, eye-glasses, jewellery etc. to the accompanying friend or family member.
• A small needle (IV cannula) will be placed over your forearm, which will be used to give sedative medicines during the procedure.
• You’re going to feel comfortable and drowsy.
• A thin tube with a camera and light on the end into your anus and up into the rectum and colon. Your doctor will look at the inside lining of the entire colon.
• During the procedure, your doctor may do a test called a biopsy. During a biopsy, a doctor takes a small piece of tissue from the colon. It helps in diagnosis of diseases such as infection, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, cancer etc.

No, the procedure is painless.

• For around half an hour, you’ll relax in a recovery room.
• It is common to feel bloated due to gas inside your colon. The gas will slowly move out & you will feel relaxed.
• The doctor will discuss the findings of the procedure & further plan of treatment.
• The doctor will discuss if a biopsy is taken. The report is available usually within 5-7 days.

Oh, no. You have been given a sedative injection. So, to drive you home after the colonoscopy, you will need to bring a responsible adult with you. You should not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day of the procedure to ensure that the sedative effects have worn off.

The procedure is very safe, however, few of the risks of an colonoscopy are: bleeding, perforation of the colon, and abnormal reaction to the medicines used for sedation.

Screening for cancer aims to detect cancer at an early stage so it can be treated better. Doctors recommend that the majority of people begin having colon cancer screening at age 50. Some people have an increased chance of getting colon cancer, because of a strong family record or certain medical conditions. These people may begin screening at a younger age.