Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, Dr. Polcino uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible, tubular instrument about 1/2-inch in diameter that transmits an image of the lining of the colon so he can examine it for any abnormalities.

Colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to diagnose the causes of unexplained blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits. It is also used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, bleeding, and muscle spasms in the colon.

For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. The physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a monitor, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better.

If anything unusual is in your colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove it or a piece of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the physician can use the scope to pass a laser, heater probe or electrical probe, or inject special medicines, to stop the bleeding.

Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the facilty for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off and you will need someone to drive you home.

Before a colonoscopy, let your doctor know about any special medical conditions you have, including the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Lung conditions
  • Heart conditions
  • Allergies to any medications
  • If you have diabetes or take medications that may affect blood clotting; adjustments to these medications may be required before the colonoscopy.

Never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.

You may need to take antibiotics before the colonoscopy if you:

  • Have an artificial heart valve
  • Have ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure

There may be some diet or fluid restrictions before you have a colonoscopy, but this will vary according to your doctor's instructions. You may be asked to limit or eliminate solid foods for a few days before the test. You may also be asked to take laxatives by mouth. Along with the dietary changes, your bowel must be further cleansed in order for colonoscopy to be successful.

Make sure you arrange for a driver to bring you home after the colonoscopy. You will receive sedating medication during the procedure, therefore it is unsafe for you to drive or operate machinery for 8 hours after the procedure.

After your colonoscopy:

  • You will stay in a recovery room for about 30 minutes for observation
  • You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this usually passes quickly

    • You can resume your normal diet.

    Read your discharge instructions carefully. Certain medications, such as blood-thinning agents, may need to be avoided temporarily if biopsies were taken or polyps were removed.

    Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

    • Excessive or prolonged rectal bleeding
    • Severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills